U.S. patent application number 08/926882 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-07 for video signal recording apparatus.
Invention is credited to OGURA, TOKIHIKO, SUZUKI, YASUTOMO, TAKEI, MASAHIRO, YAMAGATA, SHIGEO.
Application Number | 20010002946 08/926882 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27551370 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010002946 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YAMAGATA, SHIGEO ; et
al. |
June 7, 2001 |
VIDEO SIGNAL RECORDING APPARATUS
Abstract
A recording apparatus for recording a video signal on a
recording medium together with data signals relative to the video
signal comprises a first signal processing channel in which the
data signals are supplied to a monitor in a state of being
superimposed on the video signal; and a second signal processing
channel in which the data signals are supplied to the monitor
without being superimposed on the video signal; and selecting means
which is selectively renders said first signal processing channel
or said second signal processing channel operative. In case that a
display of the recording video signal on the monitor is excessively
covered and hidden by that of the data signals, the second signal
processing channel is selected and operated to permit adequate
visual confirmation on the monitor of the video signal to be
recorded.
Inventors: |
YAMAGATA, SHIGEO;
(KANAGAWA-KEN, JP) ; OGURA, TOKIHIKO;
(KANAGAWA-KEN, JP) ; TAKEI, MASAHIRO;
(KANAGAWA-KEN, JP) ; SUZUKI, YASUTOMO;
(KANAGAWA-KEN, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANON KABUSHIKI
C/O ROBIN LECKER & DALEY
330 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK,
NY
10017
US
|
Family ID: |
27551370 |
Appl. No.: |
08/926882 |
Filed: |
September 10, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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08926882 |
Sep 10, 1997 |
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08271230 |
Jul 6, 1994 |
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5719984 |
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08271230 |
Jul 6, 1994 |
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07777486 |
Oct 15, 1991 |
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07777486 |
Oct 15, 1991 |
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07474667 |
Feb 5, 1990 |
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07474667 |
Feb 5, 1990 |
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07033104 |
Mar 31, 1987 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
386/230 ;
348/E5.099; 360/18; 386/239; 386/337; 386/E5.027; G9B/27.012;
G9B/27.019; G9B/27.036 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/782 20130101;
G11B 27/3054 20130101; G11B 27/105 20130101; G11B 2220/20 20130101;
G11B 27/034 20130101; H04N 5/445 20130101; H04N 5/9208 20130101;
H04N 5/95 20130101; H04N 5/781 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
386/95 ;
360/18 |
International
Class: |
H04N 005/91; H04N
007/04; H04N 007/06; H04N 007/08; H04N 007/52 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 3, 1986 |
JP |
SHO 61-077020 |
Apr 3, 1986 |
JP |
SHO 61-077021 |
Apr 3, 1986 |
JP |
SHO 61-077022 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A video signal recording apparatus for recording a video signal
together with a data signal relative to the video signal on a
recording means, comprising: a) first means for supplying a monitor
with said data signal in a state of being superimposed on said
video signal; and b) second means for supplying said monitor with
said data signal not in a state of being superimposed on said video
signal.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: c)
recording means for recording said data signal on said recording
medium by superimposing the data signal on said video signal.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first means
includes: a) video signal supply means for supplying said video
signal; b) data signal supply means for supplying said data signal;
and c) mixing and producing means arranged to mix said data signal
with said video signal and to supply these signals to said monitor
in a mixed state.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second means
includes: a) video signal supply means for supplying said video
signal; b) data signal supply means for supplying said data signal;
and c) video signal producing means for supplying only said video
signal to said monitor without mixing said data signal with said
video signal.
5. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said producing means
includes: a) converting means for converting said data signal into
an image signal which represents said data signal in such a way as
to permit confirmation thereof on said monitor in the form of an
image; and b) mixing means for mixing said image signal obtained
from said converting means with said video signal supplied from
said video signal supply means.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording means
is a recording medium.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said recording medium
is a magnetic recording medium.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising data
signal setting means for manually setting said data signal.
9. A recording system for recording a video signal together with a
data signal relative to the video signal on a recording means,
comprising: a) first means for supplying a monitor with said data
signal in a state of being superimposed on said video signal; b)
second means for supplying said monitor with said data signal not
in a state of being superimposed on said video signal; and c) a
monitor arranged to reproduce said video signal in a viewable
state.
10. A system according to claim 9, further comprising: c) recording
means for recording said data signal on said recording medium by
superimposing the data signal on said video signal.
11. A system according to claim 9, wherein said first means
includes: a) video signal supply means for supplying said video
signal; b) data signal supply means for supplying said data signal;
and c) mixing and producing means arranged to mix said data signal
with said video signal and to supply these signals to said monitor
in a mixed state.
12. A system according to claim-9, wherein said second means
includes: a) video signal supply means for supplying said video
signal; b) data signal supply means for supplying said data signal;
and c) video signal producing means for supplying only said video
signal to said monitor without mixing said data signal with said
video signal.
13. A system according to claim 11, wherein said producing means
includes: a) converting means for converting said data signal into
an image signal which represents said data signal in such a way as
to permit confirmation thereof on said monitor in the form of an
image; and b) mixing means for mixing said image signal obtained
from said converting means with said video signal supplied from
said video signal supply means.
14. A system according to claim 9, wherein said recording means is
a recording medium.
15. A system according to claim 14, wherein said recording medium
is a magnetic recording medium.
16. A recording apparatus for recording a video signal on recording
means, comprising: a) means for supplying a monitor with a video
signal to be recorded; b) means for generating a trigger signal for
causing said video signal to be recorded; and c) means for changing
at least partially changing said video signal to be supplied to
said monitor in response to said trigger signal.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said trigger signal
generating means includes: a) a manual operation member arranged to
permit a manual operation thereon; and b) means for causing said
trigger signal to be generated in response to the operation on said
manual operation member.
18. An apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: d) data
signal generating means for generating a data signal to be recorded
on said recording means along with said video signal; and e) means
for converting said data signal into an image signal and for mixing
said image signal with said video signal to be recorded.
19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said changing means
is arranged to change said image signal which is obtained by
converting said data signal and is to be mixed with said video
signal by said mixing means.
20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said changing means
is arranged to inhibit said mixing means from operating in response
to said trigger signal.
21. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said recording
means is a recording medium.
22. A recording apparatus for recording a video signal on a
recording means, comprising: a) supply means for supplying the
monitor with said video signal to be recorded; b) data signal
generating means for generating a data signal to be recorded on
said recording means along with said video signal; c) processing
means for processing said data signal into a viewable state; d)
trigger signal generating means for generating a trigger signal for
causing said video signal to be recorded on said recording means;
and e) changing means for changing the processing state of said
processing means in response to said trigger signal.
23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said processing
means includes: a) converting means for converting said data signal
into an image signal; and b) mixing means for mixing said image
signal obtained by said converting means with said recording video
signal in such a way as to have them supplied to said monitor in a
mixed state.
24. An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said changing means
is arranged to change the mixing state of said mixing means.
25. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said trigger signal
generating means includes: a) a manual operation member arranged to
permit a manual operation thereon; and b) means for causing said
trigger signal to be generated in response to the operation on said
manual operation member.
26. A reproducing apparatus for reproducing data signals from a
recording means on which a plurality of data signals are recorded,
comprising: a) reproducing means for reproducing said data signals
from said recording means; b) discriminating means for detecting
whether said data signals reproduced by said reproducing means are
at least partially set or not; and c) data signal converting and
supplying means for converting said data signals reproduced by
said-- reproducing means into an image signals and for supplying
said data signals to a monitor, said supplying means being arranged
to control the display position of said data signals on said
monitor according to the result of detection made by said
discriminating means.
27. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said recording
means is a recording medium.
28. An apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said reproducing
means includes a reproducing heads which reproduces said data
signals from said recording medium.
29. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said supplying
means is arranged to cause some of the reproduced data signals that
is found to be set by said discriminating means to be displayed in
the display position of other data signals found not to be set.
30. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein a video signal is
recorded on said recording means together with said plurality of
data signals; and said reproducing means is arranged to reproduce
said video signal together with said data signals.
31. An apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said supplying
means is arranged to mix said image signal obtained by converting
said data signals with said video signal reproduced from said
recording means and to supply said monitor with a mixture signal
thus obtained.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a video signal recording apparatus
which records, along with a video signal, some data signals
relative to the video signal on recording means such as a recording
medium.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The conventional apparatus for recording and/or reproducing
a plurality of data signals on and from a recording medium along
with a video signal has been arranged to put the video signal and
the data signals in a superimposed state confirmable on a monitor
and to record them in that state on the recording medium in
response to some recording trigger signal.
[0005] However, with the conventional apparatus arranged in this
manner to have the data signals superimposed on the video signal
for confirmation on the monitor, the video signal displayed on the
monitor in recording it is hidden by the data signal over an
excessively wide area on the monitor in cases where the data
signals are to be recorded in many different kinds. This has
presented a problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is a first object of this invention to provide a video
signal recording apparatus which is arranged to be free from the
above stated problem of the prior art.
[0007] It is a second object of this invention to provide a video
signal recording apparatus which is arranged to have a recording
video signal adequately confirmable on a monitor.
[0008] To attain this object, a video signal recording apparatus
arrange to have a video signal and data signals relative to the
video signal recorded together on a recording medium comprises:
first means for supplying a monitor with the data signal in a state
of being superimposed on the video signal; second means for
supplying the monitor with the data signal not in a state of being
superimposed on the video signal; and selection means for
selectively causing the first or second means to operate. The
selection means is arranged such that the second means is caused to
operate in case where a video signal to be recorded would be
excessively hidden by the data signals, so that the video signal to
be recorded can be always adequately confirmed on the monitor.
[0009] It is another object of this invention to provide an
apparatus which is of the kind recording and reproducing a video
signal together with a plurality of data signals related to the
video signal on and from recording means and is arranged to permit
adequate confirmation of the video signal on a monitor when the
plurality of data signals are reproduced and supplied to the
monitor along with the video signal.
[0010] Under this object, a recording and/or reproducing apparatus
arranged as a preferred embodiment of this invention to record and
reproduce a video signal together with a plurality of data signals
related to the video signal on and from a recording medium
comprises: selecting means for determining whether at least some of
the data signals is to be set or not; and control means for
varying, according to selection made by the selecting means, the
position of the data signal in which the data signal is to be
displayed in a state of superimposed on the video signal during a
reproducing operation.
[0011] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
reproducing apparatus which facilitates observation of reproduced
data signals on a monitor in reviewing recorded data signals by
reproducing them.
[0012] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
recording apparatus which is of the kind recording a video signal
and data signals related to the video signal together on a
recording medium and is arranged to permit recording on the medium
with adequate timing while reviewing the video signal on a monitor
and to permit confirmation of the recording through the
monitor.
[0013] Under that object, a recording apparatus which is arranged
as another preferred embodiment of this invention to display on a
monitor the execution of a video signal recording operation on a
recording medium comprises: means for supplying the monitor with a
video signal to be recorded; means for generating a trigger signal
for causing the video signal to be recorded; means for supplying
the monitor with the video signal by at least partially varying the
video signal to have the monitor display that the video signal is
recorded.
[0014] It is a still further object of this invention to provide a
recording apparatus arranged to enable the operator to correctly
and adequately set data signals in setting the data signals which
are to be recorded along with a video signal.
[0015] These and further objects and features of this invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description of
embodiments thereof taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an
embodiment of this invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows combinations of the switching positions of
switches SW2 to SW5 shown in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view showing an apparatus arranged as the
same embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a front view of a remote control device to be used
in combination with the same apparatus.
[0020] FIGS. 5 to 20, 23, 25 to 27 and 29 to 31 are flow charts
showing the operation of a CPU 40.
[0021] FIGS. 21(a) to 21(c), 22(a) to 22(b) and 24 are
illustrations of ID signals to be displayed on a monitor.
[0022] FIGS. 28(a) to 28(c) are illustrations of a flow of
operation shown in FIG. 27.
[0023] FIG. 32 is an illustration of signals generated from an
erasion signal generator 85 shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] In an embodiment described below, this invention is applied
to a recording and/or reproducing apparatus which is of the kind
arranged to record and/or reproduce a still picture video signal on
or from a disc shaped recording medium, i.e. a disc-shaped magnetic
sheet. However, it should be noted that the application of this
invention is not limited by the kind of recording mediums, as
described below.
[0025] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the invention will be
described in the following order. Furthermore, the correspondence
of the various items with the figures is as follows:
[0026] Arrangement of the embodiment . . . FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0027] Main flow . . . FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B.
[0028] Subroutine (F) . . . FIG. 7 (contents: renewal of track feed
speed).
[0029] Subroutines (D) and (E) . . . FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C (contents:
track UP and track DOWN).
[0030] Subroutines (J) and (B) . . . FIG. 9 (contents: field/frame
selection).
[0031] Subroutine (C) . . . FIG. 10 (contents: PB mode
setting).
[0032] Subroutine (G) . . . FIG. 11 (contents: interval time
setting).
[0033] Subroutine (N) . . . FIG. 12 (contents: REC operation).
[0034] Subroutine (H) . . . FIG. 13 (contents: program setting
mode).
[0035] Subroutine (I) . . . FIG. 15 (contents: program setting
process).
[0036] Subroutines (K), (M) and (O) . . . FIGS. 16 to 18 (contents:
interval reproduction and programed reproduction).
[0037] Subroutine (R) . . . FIG. 19 (contents: ID setting).
[0038] Subroutine (Q) . . . FIGS. 20 to 22(b) (contents: ID
display).
[0039] Subroutines (S), (T) and (U) . . . FIGS. 23 to 26 (contents:
year, month, day setting as ID).
[0040] Subroutine (V) . . . FIGS. 27 to 30(b) (contents: erasing
operation).
[0041] Subroutine (W) . . . FIG. 31 (contents: all track erasing
operation).
Arrangement of the Embodiment
[0042] FIG. 1 shows the arrangement of the embodiment in a block
diagram. The magnetic sheet 1 has the positions of video signal
recording or reproducing tracks and the track pitch predetermined
thereon. These tracks are concentrically formed. In the case of a
frame video signal which has one field portion of the video signal
recorded in one track, one-field video signals recorded in two
adjacent tracks jointly form one frame video signal. The magnetic
sheet 1 is obtained in a state of having been placed within a
jacket which is not shown. The jacket 1 is provided with an
erroneous erasion preventing claw. An erasing action can be
prevented by breaking off the claw beforehand in the same manner as
in the case of an audio cassette. A DC motor 2 is arranged to cause
the magnetic sheet 1 to rotate at a constant speed. In-line type
heads 3-1 and 3-2 are arranged to have access to two adjacent
tracks. The head 3-1 is having access to the track on the outer
circumferential side of the magnetic sheet 1 and the head 3-2 to
the other track on the inner circumferential side. A magnetic head
shifting device 4 is arranged to shift the positions of the
magnetic heads 3-1 and 3-2 to bring them to the tracks formed on
the magnetic sheet 1. An innermost track detection switch 5 shifts
from an OFF state to an ON state when the magnetic head 3-2 has
access to the innermost track on the magnetic sheet 1 and then
produces a low level signal which is supplied to a microcomputer
(hereinafter referred to as CPU) 40. A reproduction amplifier 6 is
arranged to amplify signals detected by the magnetic heads 3-1 and
3-2. A level detector 7 is arranged to detect a mean level value of
the output signal of the reproduction amplifier 6. A comparator 8
is arranged to detect whether the output of the level detector 7 is
higher than a threshold value set at a reference voltage source
which is not shown. A demodulation circuit 9 is arranged to
demodulate the output signal of the reproduction amplifier 6. A
1/2H delay circuit 10 is arranged to delay the output of the
demodulation circuit 9 as much as 1/2horizontal scanning period
(hereinafter referred to as 1/2H). A synchronizing signal
separation circuit 11 is arranged to separate synchronizing signals
such as a horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync and a vertical
synchronizing signal Vsync, etc. from the output of the
demodulation circuit 9. A data demodulator 12 is arranged to detect
a predetermined data signal from the output of the reproduction
amplifier 6 and to demodulate the data signal according to the
timing of the synchronizing signal separated by the separation
circuit 11. The data signal can be set as desired in 11 digits by
the operator. This signal permits discrimination of the kind of
information recorded in the track. For example, it permits making a
discrimination between a field video signal and a frame video
signal or represents an year, a month and a day set by the
operator. The data signal is recorded in a predetermined position
relative to the synchronizing signal of the track and is within a
frequency band lower than the video signal. The demodulation
circuit 9 and the data demodulator 12 are separately arranged for
the following reason: The video signal recorded on the magnetic
sheet 1 is frequency modulated. Whereas, for the data signals other
than the video signal, a DPSK (differential phase shift keying)
modulation method which differs from the frequency modulation is
employed. While the demodulation circuit 9 is arranged to frequency
demodulate, the data demodulator 12 is arranged to DPSK
demodulate.
[0043] A monitor 13 is arranged to permit observation of a
reproduced video signal. A printer 13' is connected to the
apparatus for the purpose of printing the video signal. The printer
13' is arranged to begin to operate when the level of a signal
coming to a start signal input terminal becomes high and to make
the level of a busy signal output terminal low while it is in
operation. A modulator 14 is arranged, contrarily to the data
demodulator 12, to DPSK modulate data produced from the CPU 40 and
to supply a recording amplifier 16 with data which is modulated at
timing according to the synchronizing signals Hsync and Vsync
separated by a synchronizing signal separation circuit 17 from the
video signal coming to a video signal input terminal 18.
[0044] A recording signal processing circuit 15 is arranged to
perform frequency modulation and other processes necessary for
recording on the video signal coming via the input terminal 18 and
to supply its output to the recording amplifier 16. A reference
signal generator 19 is arranged to generate accurate reference
pulses (60 Hz) required for rotating the magnetic sheet 1 and an
erasing AC signal. A magnetized piece 20 is provided on the
magnetic sheet 1. As will be further described later, the
magnetized piece 20 produces a signal which is used in performing
rotation control over a DC motor 2 in synchronism with the
reference signal produced from the reference signal generator 19. A
PG coil 21 is arranged for detecting the signal from the magnetized
piece 20 when the magnetic sheet 1 is rotated by the DC motor
2.
[0045] A wave form shaping circuit 22 is arranged to shape the wave
form of a signal produced from the PG coil 21. The output of the
wave form shaping circuit 22 is supplied to the CPU 40 and a motor
control circuit 23.
[0046] The motor control circuit 23 is arranged to control the
rotation of the DC motor 2. The rotation of the DC motor 2 is
controlled in such a manner that the synchronizing signal Vsync
from the synchronizing signal separation circuit 17 or the signal
produced from the reference signal generator 19 and the signal
produced from the magnetized piece 20 provided on the magnetic
sheet 1 are always in a predetermined phasic relation to each
other. For example, the rotation of the motor 2 is controlled to
keep the phases of the two deviating by 7 H from each other. When
the magnetic heads 3-1 and 3-2 are performing a recording action, a
switch SW1 is shifted beforehand to its connecting position on the
side of the synchronizing signal separation circuit 17. Then, the
rotation of the DC motor 2 is controlled on the basis of the signal
Vsync and a signal supplied from the wave form shaping circuit 22,
i.e., a signal coming from the magnetized piece 20 provided on the
magnetic sheet 1. In case of reproduction by the magnetic heads 3-1
and 3-2, the connecting position of the switch SW1 is shifted
beforehand for the reference signal generator 19. In this instance,
the rotation of the DC motor 2 is controlled on the basis of the
reference signal from the generator 19 and the signal produced from
the magnetized piece 20 and coming via the wave form shaping
circuit 22.
[0047] A driver 23' is arrange to drive a stepping motor 24
according to a signal produced from the CPU 40 for the purpose of
controlling the position of the heads 3-1 and 3-2. The stepping
motor 24 is thus arranged to shift the position of the heads 3-1
and 3-2 via the above stated head shifting device 4. A display
circuit 25 is arranged to be driven by a signal from the CPU 40.
The display circuit 25 is composed of display elements including,
as shown in FIG. 3, seven-segment display elements which are
arranged to display a number assigned to the track to which the
head 3-1 has access in a two-place number and a speed at which the
head is being shifted; a PB (play back) LED arranged to display a
reproduction mode; a REC (recording) LED arranged to display a
recording mode; a FRAME LED arranged to display a frame mode; and a
FIELD LED arranged to display a field mode. A ROM 26 stores the
program of the CPU 40. A RAM 27 is arranged to temporarily store
the data of the CPU 40. A timer 28 is arranged to be driven by the
CPU 40. A crystal oscillator 29 is arranged to generate reference
clock pulses for the CPU 40. A detecting circuit 80 is connected to
photo-couplers 81 and 82 which form a detection switch for
detecting whether the magnetic sheet 1 is inserted in the
apparatus. Elements 83 and 84 and a switch SW6 are provided for
displaying at the monitor 13 and a printer 13' a data signal
(hereinafter referred to as ID signal) indicative of information on
the year, the month, the day, etc. set as desired by the operator.
More specifically, a synchronizing signal separation circuit 83 is
arranged similarly to the synchronizing signal separation circuit
17 to separte synchronizing signals Vsync and Hsync from the video
signal coming via a switch SW5 which is provided for adjustment of
the timing of a data character to be generated. A character
generator 84 is arranged to generate a character corresponding to
data in synchronism with the synchronizing signals Vsync and Hsync
separated by the circuit 83. In case where the ID signal is to be
displayed in a state of being superimposed on the video signal at
the monitor 13 or the printer 13', the CPU 40 produces a control
signal to turn on the switch SW6. Then an adder 86 applies the
synchronizing signals and the ID signal to the video signal to have
the character displayed in a specific position on the monitor 13 or
the printer 13'.
[0048] An erase signal generator 85 is arranged to erase a signal
recorded in any desired track on the magnetic sheet 1. An AC
current to be used for erasion is obtained from a reference signal
generator 19. The erase signal generator 85 generates an
attenuation signal which is composed of, for example, a constant
amplitude period T1 and an ensuing attenuating period T2 as shown
in FIG. 32. The circuit 85 is connected to the recording amplifier
16. The wave form of the attenuation signal is arranged to be
suitable for magnetic recording medium. However, any other suitable
wave form is of course usable even if the medium is a magnetic
recording medium.
[0049] A switch SW1 is arranged to have its connecting position
shifted by a signal from a control circuit 30 which is driven by a
signal from the CPU 40. The switch SW1 connects the synchronizing
signal separation circuit 17 to the motor control circuit 23 when a
recording mode indicating signal is received from the CPU 40 while
the synchronizing signal Hsync is produced from the synchronizing
signal separation circuit 17. The switch SW1 connects the reference
signal generator 19 to the motor control circuit 23 when a
reproducing mode indicating signal is received from the CPU 40 or
when the signal Hsync is not produced from the synchronizing signal
separation circuit 17 or when the apparatus is in an erasing mode.
A switch SW2 shifts its connecting position on the basis of a
signal from the CPU 40. The switch SW2 has a position in which the
head 3-1 is connected to the recording amplifier 16; a position
connecting the head 3-1 to the reproduction amplifier 6; and an
intermediate position connecting the head neither to the recording
amplifier 16 nor to the reproduction amplifier 6. A switch SW3
operates on the basis of a signal from the CPU 40 to shift its
position among a position connecting the head 3-2 to the recording
amplifier 16, another position connecting the same head to the
reproduction amplifier 6 and an intermediate position connecting
the same head neither to the recording amplifier 16 nor to the
reproduction amplifier 6. A switch SW4 is also operated by the CPU
40 to shift its position as follows: In reproducing a frame video
signal from the magnetic sheet 1 using both the heads 3-1 and 3-2,
the position of the switch is shifted upward as viewed on FIG. 1
thus connecting them to the demodulation circuit 9. In reproducing
a field video signal using only the head 3-1, the switch SW4 shifts
between the upward shifted position and a downward shifted
position. In other words, in that instance, the switch SW4 connects
the head alternately to the demodulation circuit 9 and the 1/2H
delay circuit 10 for every field. A switch SW5 is driven by the CPU
40 to connect the monitor 13 to the video signal input terminal 18
for recording and to the switch SW4 for reproduction.
[0050] As mentioned in the foregoing, the video signal recorded or
reproduced on and from the magnetic sheet 1 is sometimes a field
video signal consisting of only one field or sometimes a frame
video signal consisting of a pair of fields. The change-over of the
connecting positions of the switches SW2, SW3, SW4 and SW5 for the
field video signal and the frame video signal is as described below
with reference to FIG. 2, which shows in combination the
change-over states of the switches SW2, SW3, SW4 and SW5:
[0051] In the field reproduction, the switch SW2 connects the head
3-1 to the reproduction amplifier 6. The switch SW3 is in the
intermediate position thus connecting the head 3-2 neither to the
reproduction amplifier 6 nor to the recording amplifier 16. The
switch SW4 allows a signal supplied from the demodulation circuit 9
to be supplied directly to the monitor 13 in the case of an odd
number field and to be supplied via the 1/2H delay circuit 10 to
the monitor 13 if the field is an even number field. The position
of the switch SW4 thus changes from one position over to the other
every time the field changes. This prevents occurrence of a skew
distortion.
[0052] In frame reproduction, the switch SW2 connects the head 3-1
to the reproduction amplifier 6 for an odd number field and shifts
to the intermediate position thereof for an even number field. The
switch SW3 is in the intermediate position thereof for an odd
number field and connects the head 3-2 to the reproduction
amplifier 6 for an even number field. Therefore, in the case of
frame reproduction, the signal of either the head 3-1 or the head
3-2 is alternately supplied to the reproduction amplifier 6 for
every field. In this instance, the position of the switch SW4 is
shifted upward to allow the signal of the demodulation circuit 9 to
be supplied directly to the monitor 13.
[0053] In either case of field reproduction or frame reproduction,
the switch SW5 is driven to connect the monitor 13 to the switch
SW4.
[0054] In field recording, the switch SW2 connects the head 3-1 to
the recording amplifier 16 and the switch SW3 shifts to its
intermediate position. Therefore, recording is performed by the
head 3-1 in that instance.
[0055] Further, in frame recording, the switch SW2 connects the
head 3-1 to the recording amplifier 16 for an odd number field and
takes its intermediate position for an even number field. The
switch SW3 takes its intermediate position for an odd number field
and connects the head 3-2 to the recording amplifier 16 for an even
number field. The combination of the positions of these switches
for the heads 3-1 and 3-2 may be reversed for frame recording. In
either case of field or frame recording, the switch SW5 shifts its
position to connect the monitor 13 to the video signal input
terminal 18 to enable the operator to observe the video signal to
be recorded. Meanwhile, in any of these cases, the switch SW4 can
be in any position thereof.
[0056] The operation of the embodiment in an erasing mode is as
follows: Under an erasion standby condition which will be described
later, the switch SW1 has its connecting position on its side for a
reference signal generator 19 and the switch SW5 on its upper side
as viewed on FIG. 1. In other words, they are in exactly the same
state as in the case of the reproduction mode. In the case of field
erasion for erasing the record of, for example, only the track
being reproduced by the magnetic head 3-1, the embodiment operates
as follows: In this case, the CPU 40 produces a control signal to
shift the position of the switch SW2 to its side for the recording
amplifier 16 and that of the switch SW3 to its intermediate
position. An erasion signal trigger pulse is supplied from the CPU
40 to the erase signal generator 85. As a result, an erasion signal
is applied only to the head 3-1.
[0057] In the event of frame erasion for simultaneously erasing the
records of tracks to which the heads 3-1 and 3-2 have access, the
embodiment operates as follows: The CPU 40 produces a control
signal to shifts the switches SW2 and SW3 to their positions on the
side of the recording amplifier 16 for allowing the erasion signal
to be applied simultaneously to the heads 3-1 and 3-2. Then, the
erasion signal is generated in response to a trigger pulse produced
from the CPU 40 and is allowed to flow to both the heads via the
recording amplifier 16.
[0058] In this specific embodiment, the field erasion is arranged
to be performed by means of the head 3-1. In case that the other
head 3-2 is to be used for that purpose instead of the head 3-1,
the switch control must be changed to shift the switch SW2 to its
intermediate position and the switch SW3 to its position on the
side of the recording amplifier 16.
[0059] Next, the switches 51 to 79 shown in FIG. 1 are arranged as
described in the following with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 which
are showing the appearance of this embodiment: FIG. 3 is a front
view of the apparatus and FIG. 4 a front view of a remote control
device. The switches 51 to 79 shown in FIG. 1 are divided into
groups including a group of switches shown in FIG. 3, a group
provided on the remote control device of FIG. 4 and a group
disposed in both the apparatus of FIG. 3 and the remote control
device of FIG. 4. In FIGS. 1 to 4, the switches performing the same
functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. Among the
switches shown in FIG. 3, those disposed only on the remote control
device of FIG. 4 are shown in the circuit arrangement of FIG. 1 as
connected through lines to the CPU 40 for the sake of illustration.
In actuality, however, each of signals generated by operating the
switches disposed on the remote control device is converted into
infrared rays by the remote control device and is supplied to the
CPU 40 via a remote control light receiving part 45 which is
provided on the apparatus shown in FIG. 3.
[0060] The switches 51 to 79 may be arranged in various manners and
their arrangement is not limited to the arrangement of this
embodiment.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, these illustrations include a
power supply switch 41; a sot 42 for inserting the magnetic sheet
1; an ejection button 43 which is arranged to automatically eject
the magnetic sheet 1 when it is turned on with the magnetic sheet 1
in the inserted state; the above stated PB LED and REC LED 44A and
44B; the remote control light receiving part 45 which is arranged
to receive the signal of the remote control device shown in FIG. 4;
an interval mode display LED 46 which lights up when an interval
reproduction mode is selected; a display LED 48 which is arranged
to show selection of field reproduction or recording or selection
or frame reproduction or recording; the above stated two-place
seven-segment LED 25; and LEDs 50A, 50B and 50C arranged to display
the operated states of a programed reproduction setting switch 58,
an interval time setting switch 57 and a programed track setting
switch 62 respectively.
[0062] A REC mode setting switch 51 is arranged to set a recording
mode and to find whether the head is having access to a recorded
track or non-recorded track. With this switch 51 turned on, when a
track to which the head has access has some existing record, the
REC LED makes a flickering display to show an unrecordable state of
the track. The head mentioned here is the head 3-1 in the case of
field recording and is at least one of the heads 3-1 and 3-2 in the
case of frame recording. When the track has no existing record, or
when the control circuit 30 has detected that a video signal is not
supplied, the REC LED lights up to show the recordable state of the
track in question.
[0063] A REC switch 52 is arranged to determine timing for
recording operation. With a recording mode selected by means of the
REC mode setting switch 51, the recording operation is performed on
the magnetic sheet 1 when this switch 52 is turned on. In case that
a continuous recording mode has been selected by means of a track
feed speed setting switch 56, a continuous recording operation is
performed with the use of the heads 3-1 and 3-2 being automatically
changed from one head over to the other as long as this switch 52
remains in an ON state. A PB (play back) mode setting switch 53 is
arranged to set the apparatus in a reproduction mode. When the
switch 53 turns on, the PB LED lights up to show the selection of
the reproduction mode. A track UP switch 54 is arranged to cause
the driver 23' to rotate the stepping motor 24 when the switch 54
is operated. Then, the rotation of the stepping motor 24 causes the
head shifting device 4 to shift the heads 3-1 and 3-2 from one
track to another track located on the inner side of the magnetic
sheet 1. Further, in case that frame recording or frame
reproduction has been selected by means of a field/frame setting
switch 59, the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted to an extent
corresponding to two tracks respectively every time the track UP
switch 54 is turned on. In that event, the seven-segment LED 25
displays a two-track shifted track number instead of a one-track
shifted track number. In the event of selection of field recording
or field reproduction, the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted inward to
an extent corresponding to one track when the track UP switch 54 is
turned on. Then, the seven-segment LED 25 display a one-track
shifted track number. Further, when the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are
shifted by the operation of the track UP switch 54 after selection
of the recording mode, if the track to which the head 3-1 or 3-2
has access has existing records therein, the REC LED 44B makes a
flickering display. A track DOWN switch 55 is arranged to shift the
heads 3-1 and 3-2 in the direction of the outer circumference of
the magnetic sheet (outward) instead of its inner circumference
(inward).
[0064] The switch 55 is arranged in a manner similar to the track
UP switch 54. When the switch 55 is operated with frame recording
or frame reproduction selected, the seven-segment LED 25 displays a
two-track-shifted track number instead of a one-track-shifted track
number. In case that the switch 55 is operated with field recording
or field reproduction selected, the heads are shifted by one track
at a time and a one-track-shifted track number is displayed.
Further, in the same manner as in the case of the track UP switch
54, when the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted by the operation of the
track DOWN switch 55 in the recording mode, the REC LED 44B makes a
flickering display as necessary showing that the tracks to which
the heads 3-1 and 3-2 gained access have existing records
therein.
[0065] A track feed speed setting switch 56 is arranged to make a
selection between a recording or reproducing operation to be
performed with the positions of the heads automatically and
continuously shifted and a recording or reproducing operation to be
performed with the head shifted in a noncontinuous manner and is
also arranged to set a track feeding speed to determine how often
recording or reproduction is to be performed per sec in the event
of the continuous operation.
[0066] When the switch 56 is turned on from an OFF state by pushing
it once, the seven-segment LED 25 comes to display a track feeding
speed instead of a track number. If, under this condition, the
track feed speed setting switch 56 is again turned on within a
predetermined period of time counted by the timer 28, the
seven-segment LED 25 cyclically makes displays every time the
switch 56 is turned on including, for example, a display of "2"
indicating continuous recording or reproduction of two picture
planes per sec; a display of "5" indicating continuous recording or
reproduction of five picture planes per sec; and a display of "10"
indicating continuous recording or reproduction of 10 picture
planes per sec or makes a display of "0" indicating recording or
reproduction of a single picture plane. Further, with the switch 56
turned on after it has been turned off to cause the seven-segment
LED 25 to display a track feeding speed in place of a track number,
if after that the switch 56 is not turned on again before
expiration of the predetermined time counted by the timer 28, the
display by the LED 25 comes back from the display of the track
feeding speed to the normal track number display.
[0067] In case that the track feeding speed is changed by the
switch 56 while the frame image recording mode has been already
selected by the field/frame setting switch 59 and the REC mode
setting switch 51, selection of continuous recording of ten picture
planes per sec becomes impossible.
[0068] An interval time setting switch 57 is provided for setting a
relatively long interval time in a continuous reproducing operation
and also for setting a track feeding interval time in the event of
a programed reproduction mode set by means of a programed track
setting switch 58 which will be described later. The interval time
is set by means of the switches 63 to 72 of the ten-key switch
arrangement before the lapse of 10 sec after the switch 57 is
turned on. In the event that a switch other than the ten key
switches 63 to 72 is turned on after the interval time setting
switch 57 is turned on, the interval time setting is automatically
cancelled. A programed reproduction setting switch 58 is provided
for setting the programed reproduction mode. This mode is set by
programing beforehand a sequence in which tracks are to be
reproduced and is continuously performed at intervals of a length
of time set by means of the interval time setting switch 57.
[0069] In designating the sequence of reproducing tracks, the
programed reproduction mode is first set by turning the switch 58
on. Next, the track UP and track DOWN switches 54 and 55 are
operated to shift the track access positions of them and to have
the video signal of a desired track reproduced on the monitor 13
for confirmation. While performing this confirmation process, a
programed track setting switch 62 is turned on to store the track
number of each track confirmed by the monitor 13. The field/frame
setting switch 59 is arranged such that change-over takes place
from the field-recording or -reproduction mode to the
frame-recording or -reproduction mode and vice versa every time
this switch 59 turns on.
[0070] In the event that the continuous recording mode has been set
for 10 picture planes per sec by means of the REC mode setting
switch 51 and the track feed speed setting switch 56, the track
feeding speed is automatically changed to a continuous recording
mode for five picture planes per sec when frame recording is
selected by the field/frame setting switch 59, because:
[0071] In the case of frame recording, unlike field recording, the
heads 3-1 and 3-2 must be shifted to an extent corresponding to two
tracks at a time. In the event of recording 10 picture planes per
sec, therefore, the heads must be shifted to a total extent
corresponding to 20 tracks per sec, i.e., two tracks per {fraction
(4/60)}sec taking a time for recording a video signal into
consideration. However, it is difficult to carry out such a high
speed head shift. In this particular embodiment of this invention,
therefore, continuous frame recording for 10 picture planes per sec
is inhibited.
[0072] A start switch 60 is provided for continuous reproduction
with intervals or programed reproduction. When the start switch 60
is turned on in the interval reproduction mode, reproduction is
performed on the tracks one after another beginning with the first
track at intervals set by the interval time setting switch 57 and
the ten-key switches 63 to 72, and programed reproduction begins
with programed reproduction selected.
[0073] A stop switch 61 is provided for bringing to a stop the
reproducing operation started by the start switch 60. In case that
the stop switch 61 is turned on during programed reproduction, the
programed reproduction is brought to a stop with the track which is
then under the reproducing operation left in that state. A
reference numeral 62 denotes the program track setting switch which
is mentioned in the foregoing.
[0074] A switch 73 is provided for selection as to whether an ID
signal setting action is to be allowed to begin in the recording
mode and as to whether the contents of the ID signal are to be
displayed in the event of the reproduction mode. In other words, in
the recording mode, there obtains an ID signal setting mode with
this switch 73 turned on. In the reproduction mode, the switch 73
permits selection as to whether the contents of the ID signal is to
be displayed. In case where a date is to be set as the ID signal
with the ID signal setting mode selected by the switch 73, switches
74, 75 and 76 are used. The switch 74 turns on when the year is
set. The switch 75 turns on when the month is set. The switch 76
turns on when the day is set. In FIG. 1, these switches 74, 75 and
76 are expediently shown for the sake of illustration independently
of the above stated switches 57, 58 and 62. In the case of this
embodiment, however, the switches 58, 57 and 62 are arranged to
perform combined functions as the switches 74, 75 and 76 as shown
in FIG. 4 which shows a remote control device. In other words,
since the interval time setting action by the switch 57, the
program setting action by the switch 58 and the program track
setting action by the switch 62 are to be performed independently
of the year, month and day setting actions on the ID signal, the
embodiment is arranged to reduce the number of switches for
improvement in the operability and reliability of the
apparatus.
[0075] The combined use of the switches are not limited to the
above stated arrangement but various different combinations are
conceivable and acceptable.
[0076] An erasion standby switch 77 is arranged to be used for
temporarily bringing the apparatus into a standby state for erasion
in erasing information recorded on the magnetic sheet 1. An erasing
switch 78 is provided for having an erasing action performed in the
erasion standby state. An all track erasion standby switch 79 is
arranged to be used in bringing the apparatus into a mode of
erasing information recorded in all the tracks.
[0077] In erasing the information recorded on the sheet 1, the
erasion standby state obtains with the switch 77 first turned on.
Under this condition, the apparatus is automatically set into the
reproduction mode. Therefore, while the apparatus is in the erasion
standby state, i.e. before carrying out the erasion, the images
recorded in the erasing tracks can be confirmed on the monitor 13
or the printer 13'. Further, under the standby condition, the
numbers of tracks to be erased can be continuously designated by
operating the ten-key switches 63-72. After that, when the erasing
switch 78 is turned on, at least one of the heads 3-1 and 3-2 is
connected to the recording amplifier 16. Then, the erasion signal
generator 85 produces an erasion signal as shown in FIG. 32. In
response to this signal, information recorded in the applicable
track is erased. Further, information recorded in all the tracks
can be automatically erased by turning on the erasing switch 78
after the all track erasion standby switch 79 is turned on.
[0078] The embodiment of this invention operates as described below
with reference to flow charts shown in FIGS. 5 to 20, 23 and 25 to
27.
[0079] Main Flow:
[0080] When the power supply switch 41 shown in FIG. 3 is pushed
in, the power supply to the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 turns on.
Electric energy begins to be supplied to each of applicable circuit
parts.
[0081] Step #1: With the power supply thus switched on, registers I
and S, etc. which will be described later with reference to FIG. 15
are reset to "0". A PB (play-back) mode flag is set. Then, the
track feeding speed is initially set for two picture planes per sec
and the interval time at three seconds. In other words, the
continuous reproduction mode is automatically set when the power
supply is switched on. Step #2: A check is made to see if a jacket
having the magnetic sheet 1 is inserted. If so, the flow of
operation proceeds to a step #3. If not, it comes to a step #4
skipping the step #3. Step #3: With the jacket having the magnetic
sheet 1 found to be inserted at the step #2, the DC motor 3 is
driven. Step #4: A check is made to see if the head 3-1 has gained
access to the 50th track by detecting whether the switch 5 shown in
FIG. 1 is in an ON state. If the heads are found to have gained
access to the 50th track, the flow of operation comes to a step #6.
If not, the flow branches out to a step #5 to drive the stepping
motor 24 shown in FIG. 1 to bring the head 3-1 to the 50th track by
repeating the loop of steps #4 and #5. Step #6: With the head 3-1
having gained access to the 50th track, the flow of operation comes
to this step to set a register N at a value of 50 for having access
to a memory (RAM 27). Step #7: A check is made for the driving
operation of the DC motor 2. With the above stated jacket inserted,
the DC motor 2 has been caused to drive the magnetic sheet 1 by the
step #3. In this event, the flow of operation proceeds to a step #8
to set a field flag. If the jacket is not inserted, the DC motor 2
has not been operated as the step #3 has been skipped. In that
event, therefore, the flow of operation comes back to the step #2
to see whether the jacket is inserted or not.
[0082] Step #8: The field flag is set if the DC motor 4 is found to
be performing a driving operation at the step #7. Accordingly, the
field mode indicating LED 44A which is shown in FIG. 3 lights up to
show the field mode. In other words, in the case of this
embodiment, the field mode is automatically selected with the power
supply switched on and the jacket inserted. Step #9: The output of
the level detector 7 shown in FIG. 1 is detected to find whether
the track accessed by the head 3-1 is recorded or nonrecorded. The
output level of the level detector 7 becomes high if the accessed
track has already been recorded. In that event, the flow of
operation proceeds to a step #10. If the output level of the level
detector 7 is low, the flow of operation comes to a step #16. Let
us here first described the step #16. Step #16: Data "0000" is set
at an address N of the memory. The data "0000" indicates that the
track corresponding to this particular address is nonrecorded (has
no previous or exsisting record).
[0083] The flow of operation at a step #10 and subsequent steps is
as follows:
[0084] Step #10: With the output of the level detector 7 having
been found to be at a high level at the step #9, a signal recorded
in the track is reproduced. Then, an ID (identification) signal is
taken in from the data demodulator 12. Step #11: The content of the
ID signal is detected to discriminate the video signal recorded in
the track between a field video signal and a frame video signal. If
it is a field video signal, the flow of operation shifts to a step
#15. If it is a frame video signal, the flow proceeds to a step
#12. Step #12: The video signal recorded in the track accessed by
the head 3-1 is checked to find whether the signal is recorded in
the inner side track of the frame video signal or in the outer side
track thereof. The flow of operation comes to a step #14 if the
track is located on the inner side or proceeds to a step #13 if it
is located on the outer side. Step #13: With the video signal of
the track accessed by the head 3-1 found to be in the outer track
of the frame video signal, the address N of the memory is set at
"0011". In case that the flow of operation comes from the step #1
to this step for the first time, the address N has been set 50 at
the step #6. Step #14: In the event of the inner track of the frame
video signal, the address N of the memory is set at "0010". Step
#17: The head 3-1 is shifted to a first track. Then, if a state of
N=1 is detected, the flow of operation comes to a step #20. If not,
the flow of operation proceeds to a step #18. Step #18: With the
state of N=1 not detected at the step #17, the head 3-1 is shifted
outward to an extent corresponding to one track pitch. Step #19:
With the head 3-1 shifted outward at the step #18, 1 is subtracted
from the value N to renew it. Step #20: With the state of N=1
detected at the step #17 indicating that the head 3-1 has gained
access to the first track which is located outermost on the
magnetic sheet, when information on the presence or absence of any
record there is set at the memory, the data of the address N, i.e.
the first address, of the memory is read out. If the data is "0011"
thus indicating that the first track is the outer side track of two
tracks forming a frame video signal, the flow of operation proceeds
to a step #21. If not, the flow of operation comes to a step #23.
Step #21: With the first track having been found at the step #20 to
be the outer track of the two tracks forming a frame video signal,
the data of an address N+1, i.e. a second address of the memory is
read out. If the data is "0010" thus indicating that a second track
is the inner track of the two tracks forming the frame video
signal, the flow of operation proceeds to a step #22. Step #22:
With the frame video signal having been found to be recorded in the
first and second tracks, the field flag which is set at the step #8
is cleared to change the field mode over to a frame mode. The
field/frame display LED 48 which is shown in FIG. 3 lights up to
show the frame mode. Steps #23 and #24: The register N showing the
above stated memory address is displayed by the two-place seven
segment LED 25 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. This display enables the
operator to know the track number to which the head 3-1 has gained
access. Upon completion of this step, the flow of operation jumps
to another flow (A), which is as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0085] Step #A-1: A check is made to see if the REC mode setting
switch 51 is in an ON state. If so, the flow of operation calls a
subroutine (B) to set the recording mode. If not, the flow proceeds
to a step #A-2. Step #A-2: A check is made to see if the REC switch
52 has been turned on. If so, a subroutine (N) is called. If not,
the flow proceeds to a step #A-3. Step #A-3: A check is made to
find if the PB mode setting switch 53 has been turned on. If so, a
subroutine (C) is called. If not, the flow proceeds to a step #A-4.
Step #A-4: If the track UP switch 54 is turned on, the flow of
operation calls a subroutine (D). If the switch 54 is not turned
on, the flow proceeds to a step #A-5. Step #A-5: If the track DOWN
switch 55 is turned on, the flow of operation calls a subroutine
(E). If not, it proceeds to a step #A-6. Step #A-6: If the track
feed speed setting switch 56 is turned on, the flow of operation
calls a subroutine (F). If not, it proceeds to a step #A-7. Step
#A-7: If the interval time setting switch 57 has been turned on,
the flow of operation calls a subroutine (G). If not, it proceeds
to a step #A-8. Step #A-8: If the program setting switch 58 has
been turned on, the flow of operation calls a subroutine (H). If
not, it proceeds to a step #A-9. Step #A-9: If the program track
setting switch 62 has been turned on, the flow of operation calls a
subroutine (I). If not, it proceeds to a step #A-10. Step #A-10: If
the field/frame setting switch 59 has been turned on, the flow of
operation calls a subroutine (J). If not, it proceeds to a step
#A-11. Step #A-11: If the start switch 60 has been turned on, the
flow of operation calls a subroutine (K). If not, it proceeds to a
step #A-12. Step #A-12: If the stop switch 61 has been turned on, a
subroutine (M) is called. If not, the flow of operation proceeds to
a step #A-13. Step #A-13: If a jacket detection switch
(corresponding to the detection circuit 80 of FIG. 1) has been
turned on, the flow of operation jumps to a subroutine (L). If not,
it proceeds to a step #A-14.
[0086] Step #A-14: A programed reproduction mode flag and a
programed reproduction in-process flag are cleared.
[0087] Step #A-15: A subroutine (R) is called if any one of the
ten-key switches 63-72 is in an ON state. If not, the operation
proceeds to a step #A-16. Step #A-16: If the ID switch 73 is in an
ON state, a subroutine (Q) is called. If not, the operation
proceeds to a step #A-17. Step #A-17: If the year setting switch 74
is in an ON state, a subroutine (S) is called. If not, the
operation proceeds to a step #A-18. Step #A-18: If the month
setting switch 75 is in an ON state, a subroutine (T) is called. If
not, the operation proceeds to a step #A-19. Step #A-19: If the day
setting switch 76 is in an ON state, a subroutine (U) is called. If
not, the operation proceeds to a step #A-20. Step #A-20: If the
erasion standby switch 77 is in an ON state, a subroutine (V) is
called. If not, the operation proceeds to a step #A-21. Step #A-21:
If the all track erasion standby switch 79 is in an ON state, a
subroutine (W) is called. If not, the operation comes to the step
#A-13.
[0088] After the head 3-1 is allowed to gain access to the first
track on the magnetic sheet with the flow of operation carried out
as shown in FIG. 5, the operation jumps to the flow (A) shown in
FIGS. 6A and 6B. The flow (A) of operation is repeatedly performed
while checking the switches shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 for their
states until the state of each of these switches comes to change
over to the other state. A subroutine corresponding to each of
these operated switches is called.
[0089] Subroutine (F):
[0090] The subroutine (F) which is called when the track feed speed
setting switch 56 is turned on is as described below with reference
to FIG. 7:
[0091] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the subroutine (F) to be
carried out when the switch 56 which is provided for changing a
track feeding speed. Steps #F-1 and #F-2: A setting value of track
feeding speed is read out from the memory. The setting value thus
read out is set at a track number displaying buffer which is not
shown. Therefore, a track feeding speed is displayed at the
two-place, seven-segment LED 25 shown in FIG. 3. When the flow of
operation comes to the step #F-1, a track feeding speed has been
set at a value for two picture planes per sec and the LED 25
displays "2" accordingly. Step #F-3: If the track feeding speed
setting switch 56 is in an ON state, the flow of operation
respectively performs the step #F-3. If not, the flow of operation
comes to a step #F-4.
[0092] As mentioned in the foregoing, the two-place, seven-segment
LED 15 is arranged to change its track number display over to a
track feeding speed display when the track feed speed setting
switch 56 turns on for once. After that, when the switch 56 again
turns on, the track feeding speed is changed over to another value.
The step #F-3 is arranged to have the track feeding speed changed
when the switch 56 comes again to turn on after it is turned off
from the initial turned-on state as mentioned above.
[0093] Steps #F-4 to #F-7: With the display by the two-place,
seven-segment LED 25 of FIG. 3 changed from the track number
display over to the track feed speed display by turning on the
track feed speed setting switch 56, if the switch 56 or any other
switch is not turned on before the lapse of a predetermined period
of time (two seconds) after the change-over, the track feeding
speed setting action is cancelled through these steps #F-4 to #F-7.
When the track feed speed setting switch 56 is turned on before the
lapse of the predetermined period of time (two seconds) after the
start of time count by the timer 1, the flow of operation comes
from the step #F-7 to a step #F-10. If the switch is turned on
after completion of the time count by the timer 1 or when another
switch is turned on, the flow of operation proceeds from the step
#F-6 to a step #F-8. Step #F-8: The count value of the timer 1 is
cleared. Step #F-9: Contrarily to the step #F-1, the display by the
two-place, seven-segment LED 25 is brought back to the track number
display. Step F-10: The count value of the timer 1 is cleared. Step
F-11: A check is made to find if the set value of the track feeding
speed is for a single performance, which means that the head is
shifted after one performance of recording or reproduction to an
extent corresponding to one track in the field mode or to an extent
corresponding to two tracks and then the recording or reproduction
comes to a stop in the frame mode. The flow of operation proceeds
to a step #F-12 in the case of a single performance or comes to a
step #F-13 if the set value is not for a single performance.
Further, after the power supply switch 41 is turned on, the track
feeding speed has been set for two picture planes per sec at the
step #1 before the flow of operation comes to this step. Step
#F-12: In the event of the track feed speed setting value for a
single performance, the set value is changed to a value for two
picture planes per sec and then the flow of operation comes back to
the step #F-1. Then, the renewed track feed speed is displayed and
the above stated steps #F-3 to #F-7 are performed. Step #F-13: A
check is made to find if the track feed speed setting value is for
two picture planes per sec. If so, the flow of operation proceeds
to a step #F-14. If not, the flow comes to a step #F-15. Step
#F-14: The track feed speed setting value is changed to a value for
five picture planes per sec. The flow of operation then comes back
to the step #F-1. The renewed track feed speed value is displayed
and the steps #F-3 to #F-7 are carried out.
[0094] Step #F-15: A check is made to find if the track feed speed
setting value is for five picture planes per sec. If so, the flow
of operation proceeds to a step #F-16. If the set value is found
not for five picture planes per sec but for ten picture planes per
sec, the flow of operation comes to a step #F-17. Step #F-16: A
check is made to find if the PB mode flag is set indicating that
the reproduction mode has already been set. If so, the flow of
operation comes to a step #F-18. If not, it comes to a step #F-19.
Step #F-17: The track feed speed setting value is changed to a
value for a single performance and the flow of operation comes back
to the step #F-1. A new track feed speed value thus set is
displayed and the steps #F-3 to #F-7 are carried out. Step #F-18:
In a continuous reproduction mode, field reproduction is performed
irrespective as to whether the video signal recorded in the tracks
of the magnetic sheet 1 is a field video signal or a frame video
signal. In this instance, the track feed speed setting value is
changed to a value for ten picture planes per sec and then the flow
of operation comes back to the step #F-1. Step #F-19: A check is
made to see if the field flag is set thus indicating the field
recording mode with the track feed speed set for ten picture planes
per sec. If so, the flow of operation branches out to a step #F-18.
If not, the flow comes to the step #F-17 to change the track feed
speed setting value to a value for a single performance.
[0095] In the subroutine (F) described above, the two-place,
seven-segment LED 25 displays the track feed speed when the track
feed speed setting switch 56 is turned on. Then, after that, the
track feeding speed can be changed by again turning the switch 56
on within a predetermined period of time (two seconds). The range
of selectable track feeding speeds includes the following three
speeds in the frame recording mode: A speed for a single
performance, a speed for two picture planes per sec and a speed for
five picture planes per sec. In a mode other than the frame
recording mode, the selectable track feeding speed range includes
the following four speeds: A speed for a single performance, a
speed for two picture planes per sec, a speed for five picture
planes per sec and a speed for ten picture planes per sec. The
selectable speed range depends on the track shifting capability of
the arrangement including the device for shifting the heads 3-1 and
3-2, etc. shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the range of selectable track
feeding speed is set at a suitable range according to the track
shifting capability.
[0096] Subroutines (D) and (E):
[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C, the subroutines (D)
and (E) which are to be called out when the track UP switch 54 or
the track DOWN switch 55 is turned on during the process of the
subroutine (A) shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B are as follows:
[0098] The flow of operation to be performed when the track UP
switch 54 is turned on is first described. Step #D-1: When the flow
of operation comes to this step, the register N is checked to see
if it is at a value 50 for the purpose of finding whether the track
to which the head 3-1 has gained access is the innermost track of
the magnetic sheet. If the register N is found not at 50, the flow
of operation proceeds to a step #D-2. If it is found to be at 50,
the flow comes to a step #D-34. Step #D-2: A check is made to find
if the PB mode flag has been set thus indicating the reproduction
mode. If so, the flow of operation comes to a step #D-8. If not,
the flow proceeds to a step #D-3. Step #D-3: A check is made to see
if the address N+1 of the memory is at "0000" thus indicating that
a No. N+1 track contains no record. If so, the flow of operation
proceeds to a step #D-4. If not, the flow branches out to a step
#D-7. Step #D-4: With the No. N+1 track having been found to be not
recorded at the step #D-3, a check is made to see if the field flag
is set. If so, the flow of operation comes to a step #D-6. If not,
the flow proceeds to a step #D-5. Step #D-5: With the field flag
found not set at the step #D-4 thus indicating the frame mode, a
check is made to see if the content of the memory at an address N+2
is at "0000" thus indicating that the No. N+2 track of the magnetic
sheet has no existing record (unrecorded). If so, the flow of
operation proceeds to a step #D-6. If not, it comes to a step
#D-7.
[0099] With the steps #D-3 to #D-5 carried out, the flow of
operation comes to the step #D-6 if two consecutive tracks are both
unrecorded in the case of the frame mode. If one of the two tracks
is recorded, the flow of operation comes to the step #D-7.
[0100] Step #D-6: The flow of operation comes to this step when a
track accessed by the head 3-1 in the field mode or a track
accessed by the head 3-1 and a track which is accessed by the head
3-2 and is located on the inner side of the former in the case of
the frame mode are unrecorded and are recordable. In this case, the
REC LED 44B shown in FIG. 3 lights up. Step #D-7: Contrarily to the
step #D-6, if the tracks accessed by the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are
recorded and unrecordable, the REC LED 44B shown in FIG. 3 is
caused to blink (flicker) to inform the operator of the
unrecordable state of the track. Step #D-8: With the PB mode flag
found to have been set at the step #D-2, the field flag is set.
This step #D-8 will be further described later along with further
steps #D-9, #D-10 and #D-13. Step #D-9: A check is made to see if
the address N of the memory is at "0011" indicating that a track
being accessed by the head 3-1 is one of two tracks located on the
outer side as mentioned in the description of the step #13. If so,
the flow of operation proceeds to the step #D-10. If not, it comes
to the step #D-13. Step #D-10: A check is made to see if the
address N+1 of the memory is at "0010" thus indicating that a track
being accessed by the head 3-2 is one of two tracks located on the
inner side. If so, the flow of operation proceeds to a step #D-11.
If not, it comes to the step #D-13.
[0101] In case that one of two frame video signal forming tracks
which is located on the inner side is either erased or has a video
signal newly recorded after erasing, even if a track accessed by
the head 3-1 is located on the outer side of the two tracks forming
the frame video signal, another track accessed by the other head
3-2 might not be one of the two tracks which is located on the
inner side. In that event therefore, in shifting the heads 3-1 and
3-2 inward, these heads must be shifted only to an extent of one
track instead of two for erasing or for reproducing the video
signal newly recorded after erasing. However, under the condition
of having the heads 3-1 and 3-2 shifted inward to the extent of
only one track, the tracks being accessed by these heads are not
always having a frame video signal recorded therein. These tracks
might have different field video signals recorded therein. In the
latter case, if the field flag is in a reset state, the two
different field video signals would be reproduced as a frame video
signal. This embodiment solves that problem by the provision of the
step #D-8 mentioned in the foregoing. In other words, the field
flag is set to obtain the field mode before these heads are shifted
inward as mentioned above. Therefore, the possibility of having
completely different field video signals reproduced as a frame
video signal can be eliminated.
[0102] Step #D-11: A check is made to see if the register N is at
49. If so, the flow of operation comes to a step #D-13. If not, it
comes to a step #D-12. Step #D-12: With a frame video signal
recorded in two adjacent tracks accessed by the heads 3-1 and 3-2,
the flow of operation comes to this step. Under this condition, if
the track UP switch 54 is turned on, the driver 23 is operated to
have the heads 3-1 and 3-2 shifted to the extent of just one track
at this step. Following that, at the step #D-13, the heads 3-1 and
3-2 are further shifted to the extent of one track. Meanwhile the
content of the register N is renewed and changed by one every time
the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are thus shifted. Step #D-13: The heads 3-1
and 3-2 are shifted to the extent of one track in the same manner
as in the preceding step #D-12. Step #D-14: The two place,
seven-segment LED 25 shown in FIG. 3 is caused to display the
content of the register N in the same manner as in the step
#23.
[0103] Since the step #D-14 is subsequent to the steps #D-12 and
#D-13 in this embodiment, the track number displayed by the LED 25
is changed by two at a time when a frame video signal is recorded
in the tracks to which the heads 3-1 and 3-2 gain access. In case
that a field video signal is recorded, the track number display of
the LED 25 is changed by one at a time. Therefore, the display
shows which of the field and frame video signals is recorded on the
magnetic sheet 1.
[0104] Further, if this step is provided also in between the steps
#D-12 and #D-13, the track number display of the LED 25 is renewed
and changed by one at a time in response to the closing of the
track UP switch 54 even in cases where a frame video signal is
recorded in two adjacent tracks accessed by the heads 3-1 and
3-2.
[0105] Step #D-15: A check is made to see if the PB mode flag is
set. If so, the flow of operation comes to a step #D-15-1. If not,
it comes to a step #D-19.
[0106] Step #D-15-1: At this stop, the CPU 40 takes the reproduced
ID signal produced from the data demodulator 12 into the RAM 27.
The flow of operation then proceeds to a step #D-15-2. Step
#D-15-2: A check is made to find if the apparatus is in the mode in
which the ID signal is superimposed on the video signal for
monitoring. The details of this mode will be later described with
reference to FIG. 20. If the apparatus is in that mode, the
operation proceeds to a step #D-15-3. If not, it comes to a step
#D-15-4. Step #D-15-3: Since the apparatus is in the mode of having
the ID signal monitored in the state of being superimposed on the
video signal when the flow of operation comes to this step, the CPU
40 reads out the reproduced ID signal from the RAM 27 and causes
the character generator 84 to generate a character pattern. Then,
the character pattern is displayed on the monitor 13 in a state of
superimposed on the video signal. The flow then proceeds to the
step #D-15-4. In other words, at this point of time, an ID data
signal recorded in the track presently accessed by the head is
displayed on the monitor 13. Step #D-15-4: If the automatic track
feeding flag is not set, the flow comes to a step #D-20. If the
flag is set, the flow branches off to a step #D-16. Step #D-16: A
check is made to see if the address N of the memory is at "0011"
thus indicating that the track accessed by the head 3-1 is the
outer side track of two tracks having a frame video signal
recorded. The content of the address N corresponds to the number
assigned to the track to which the head 3-1 has gained access as
repeatedly mentioned in foregoing. If the content of the address N
is found to be "0011", the flow of operation proceeds to a step
#D-17. If not, the flow branches out to a step #D-19. Step #D-17: A
check is made to find if the content of the address N+1 of the
memory is "0010" thus indicating that the head 3-1 has gained
access to the inner side track of two adjacent tracks in which a
frame video signal is recorded. If so, the flow of operation
proceeds to a step #D-18. If not, it branches out to the step
#D-19.
[0107] Step #D-18: When the flow of operation comes to this step
through the steps #D-16 and #D-17, a frame video signal is recorded
in two adjacent tracks to which the heads 3-1 and 3-2 has gained
access after a shift of their positions. Therefore, the field flag
which has been set at the step #D-8 is cleared to obtain a frame
reproducing mode. Further, this step is carried out only in case
that the automatic track feeding flag is set. (If this flag is not
set, the flow branches off from the step #D-15-4 to the step #D-20.
In that event, field reproduction is performed as the field flag is
left in the state of being set at the step #D-8). Step #D-19: A
check is made to see if an automatic track feed flag is set. If so,
the flow of operation proceeds to a step #D-20. If not, the flow
comes back from this subroutine (RTS). The automatic track feed
flag is arranged to be set in another subroutine (K). This flag is
arranged to enable the flow of operation to pull out from the
subroutine (D) or from another subroutine (E) when the subroutine
(D) or (E) is called during execution of a program for repeating a
reproducing action while automatically feeding the tracks.
[0108] Step #D-20: A track feed speed setting value is taken in
from the memory. Step #D-21: a check is made to see if the track
feed speed setting value is for a single performance. If so, the
flow of operation comes to a step #D-34. If not, it proceeds to a
step #D-22. Step #D-22: A check is made to see if the track feed
speed setting value is for two picture planes per sec. If so, the
flow of operation proceeds to a step #D-23. If not, it comes to a
step #D-24. Step #D-23: A wait timer register which is disposed
within the CPU 40 is set at 28. Step #D-24: A check is made to see
if the track feed speed setting value is for five picture planes
per sec. If so, the flow of operation proceeds to a step #D-25. If
not, it comes to a step #D-26. Step #D-25: The wait timer register
is set at 10. Step #D-26: In case that the track feed speed setting
value is for ten picture planes per sec, the flow of operation
comes to this step. The wait timer register is set at 4. Further,
the wait timer register the value of which is set at the above
stated steps #D-23, #D-25 and #D-26 is arranged to control the
track feeding speed. The content of the timer register is arranged
to be decreased every time the magnetic sheet 1 is caused to make
one turn by the DC motor 2 at step #D-31 and #D-32 which will be
described later. Step #D-27: A check is made to see if the
REC-in-process flag is set. If so, the flow of operation proceeds
to a step #D-28. If not, it branches out to a step #D-31. The
REC-in-process flag is arranged to be set in a subroutine (N). When
the subroutine (D) is called out while a program of repetitively
performing a recording action by automatically feeding tracks is in
process, this flag gives a period of time necessary for recording
by setting a length of time at the wait timer register when the
subroutine (D) is called and by subtracting 2 or 5 from the content
of the register at a step #D-29 or #D-30. In other words, the
REC-in-process flag is provided for the purpose of determining a
timing for recording in a predetermined position on the magnetic
sheet 1 a signal which is obtained by detecting the rotating state
of the magnetic sheet 1 from the PG coil 21 and also for recording
the signal on the magnetic sheet 1.
[0109] Steps #D-28, #D-29 and #D-30: The field flag is checked to
find if it has been set. If so, 2 is subtracted from the content of
the wait timer register. If not, 5 is subtracted from the content
of the register. In this instance, the wait timer register is set
at 4 if the track feeding speed is set for ten picture planes per
sec. However, such setting is possible only for the field mode.
Therefore, in that event, the wait timer register never has 5
subtracted from its content.
[0110] Step #D-31: A check is made to see if pulses are produced
from the reference signal generator 19 shown in FIG. 1. If so, the
flow of operation proceeds to a step #D-32. If not, it repeats the
step #D-31. Step #D-32: One is subtracted from the content of the
wait timer register. Step #D-33: A check is made to see if the
content of the wait timer register has become 0. If so, the flow of
operation comes to a step #D-34. If not, it comes to the step
#D-31.
[0111] At the steps #D-32 and #D-33, the wait timer register and
the reference signal generator 19 are used as a timer for
controlling the track feeding speed. Compared with a method of
forming a timer by performing subtraction from the content of the
wait timer register according to the output of the wave form
shaping circuit 22 which is arranged to shape the wave form of the
output of the PG coil 21, the method of the steps #D-32 and #D-33
permits a more stable and accurate time counting action, because:
While the output of the PG coil 21 is likely to include some error
resulting from unevenness of rotation of the magnetic sheet 1, the
output of the reference signal generator 19 is substantially free
from such error. Further, in the event of reproduction or recording
with intervals, the DC motor 2 is preferably stopped from rotating
during the interval time. In that event, the method of performing
subtraction from the wait timer register according to the output of
the wave form shaping circuit 22 is incapable of including the
interval time. Whereas, in accordance with the method of this
embodiment, the time counting action can be stably carried out even
in that event.
[0112] Step #D-34: A check is made to see if the REC-in-process
flag has been set. If so, the flow of operation comes back to the
program (RTS) carried on before calling the subroutine (D). If not,
it comes to a step #D-35. Step #D-35: A check is made for the ON
state of the track UP switch 54. If the switch 54 is found to be
on, the flow of operation comes to the step #D-1 to have the track
access position of the heads 3-1 and 3-2 shifted inward. If not,
the flow of operation comes to a step #D-36. Step #D-36: A check is
made for the ON state of the track DOWN switch 55. If the switch 55
is on, the flow of operation shifts to a step #D-37 of the
subroutine (E) for shifting outward the track access position of
the heads 3-1 and 3-2. If not, the flow branches to a step
#D-37.
[0113] Step #D-37: If the PB mode flag is set, the flow of
operation proceeds to a step #D-38. If not, it comes back to the
program in which the subroutine (D) is called. Steps #D-38, #D-39
and #D-40: Like in the case of the steps D-16, #D-17 and #D-18, the
field flag is cleared for frame reproduction in the event of a
frame recorded video signal. After that, the flow comes back to the
program in which the subroutine (D) is called.
[0114] In the example described, above, the value set at the wait
timer is not changed at the steps #D-23, #D-25 and #D-26
irrespective as to whether or not the flow of operation passes
through the step #D-12 in the PB mode. Therefore, in the case of
passing through the step #D-12, the track feeding speed delays as
much as a length of time required for feeding one track. However,
this problem can be solved with the track feeding speed adjusted
for this delay by subtracting the same length of time from the
value set at the wait timer in the event of passing through the
step #D-12.
[0115] Subroutine (E):
[0116] The subroutine (E) which is to be carried out when the track
DOWN switch 55 is turned on is as described in the following: In
the subroutine (E), steps #E-1 to #E-13 are similar to the steps
#D-1 to #D-13 and therefore the details of these steps are omitted
here. In the subroutine (E), when the track DOWN switch 55 is
turned on, the register N is checked for a state of N=1 at the step
#E-1, for example, for shifting outward the track access position
of the heads 3-1 and 3-2. At the step #E-9, a check is made to find
if a memory address N-1 is at "0010" thus indicating the inner side
track of two tracks forming a frame video signal. At the step
#E-10, a check is made to find if a memory address N-2 is at "0011"
indicating the outer side track of the two tracks forming the frame
video signal. At the step #E-11, a check is made for a state of
N=2. At the steps E-12 and #E-13, the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted
outward to the extent of one track.
[0117] Subroutines (J) and (B):
[0118] Referring to FIG. 9, the subroutines (J) and (B) which are
to be called when the field/frame selection switch 59 and the REC
mode setting switch 51 are turned on are as described below:
[0119] Step #J-1: When the field/frame selection switch 59 is found
to be turned on at the step #A-10 shown in FIG. 6A, the flow of
operation comes to the step #J-1. At this step, if the field flag
is set, the flow of operation proceeds to a step #J-2. If not, it
branches out to a step #J-4. Step #J-2: With the field flag found
to be set at the step #J-1, the flag is cleared at the step #J-2.
Step #J-3: A check is made to see if the PB mode flag is set. If
so, the flow of operation comes to a step #J-8. If not, it branches
out to a step #J-5.
[0120] Step #J-4: With the field flag found not set at the step
#J-1, the field flag is set at the step #J-4.
[0121] When the field flag is cleared at the step #J-2 in the
recording mode with the PB mode not set, there obtains a frame
recording mode. Then, as mentioned in the description of the
subroutines (D), (E) and (F), continuous recording at a speed for
ten picture planes per sec is impossible. Therefore, in the
subroutine (J), if the track feed speed has been set for ten
picture planes per sec at the time of change-over from the field
mode to the frame mode, the change-over must be inhibited. In view
of that, this embodiment is arranged to have the track feed speed
setting value automatically changed at steps #J-6 and #J-7 to a
speed for five picture planes per sec if it has been set at a speed
for ten picture planes per sec.
[0122] Step #J-5: Data of a track feed speed setting value is taken
into the CPU 40. Step #J-6: If the track feed speed setting value
taken in at the step #J-5 is for ten picture planes per sec, the
flow of operation proceeds to a step #J-7. If not, it branches out
to a step #J-8. Step #J-7: The track feed speed setting value is
changed to a value for five picture planes per sec. Step #J-8: This
step is repeated as long as the field/frame selection switch 59 is
kept in an ON state. When the switch 59 turns off, the flow of
operation comes back to the step #A-1 of FIG. 6A.
[0123] The subroutine (B) which is called when the REC mode setting
switch 51 is turned on is as described below:
[0124] Step #B-1: When the REC mode setting switch 51 is found to
have turned on at the step #A-1 of FIG. 6A, the flow of operation
comes to this step #B-1. Then, the light of the PB LED 44A is put
out and the PB mode flag is cleared. Steps #B-2, #B-3, #B-4, #B-5
and #B-6: These five steps are similar to the steps #D-3 to #D-7
respectively and, therefore, omitted from description given
here.
[0125] Step #B-5-1: The CPU 40 controls the character generator 84
to cause it to suspend its character generating action. Step
#B-5-2: A check is made to see if there obtains the ID signal
setting mode. If so, the flow proceeds to a step #B-5-3. If not, it
comes to a step #B-6'. Step #B-5-3: The CPU 40 reads out the set ID
signal from the RAM 27 and causes the character generator 84 to
generate a character pattern. As a result, the ID signal is
displayed on the monitor 13 in a state of being superimposed on the
video signal. Following that, the flow of operation proceeds to the
step #B-6'.
[0126] Step #B-6': This step is repeated as long as the REC mode
setting switch 51 is kept in an ON state. The flow of operation
proceeds to a step #B-7 when the switch 51 is turned off. Step
#B-7: With the REC mode setting switch 51 having been turned off, a
check is made to find if the field flag is set. If so, the flow of
operation comes back to the step #A-1 of FIG. 6A. If not, it jumps
to the step #J-5 of the subroutine (J). Then, if the track feed
speed setting value is for ten picture planes per sec, the set
value is automatically changed to a speed for five picture planes
per sec by carrying out the steps #J-6 to #J-8. Therefore, in the
event of a frame mode with the REC mode set by the REC mode setting
switch 51, the track feed speed setting value is limited to a speed
for five picture planes per sec.
[0127] Subroutine (C):
[0128] Referring to FIG. 10, the subroutine (C) which is to be
called when the PB mode setting switch 53 is turned on is as
described below:
[0129] Step #C-1: The flow of operation branches out to this step
upon detection of that the PB mode setting switch 53 is turned on
at the step #A-3 of FIG. 6A. At the step #C-1, the REC LED 44 is
turned off and the field flag is temporarily set. In case that the
frame recording mode has been set by resetting the field flag with
the PB mode flag cleared while different field video signals are
recorded in two tracks accessed by the heads 3-1 and 3-2, the
different field video signals would be reproduced in an interlaced
state if a reproducing action is immediately performed on the
tracks accessed by the heads 3-1 and 3-2 when the PB mode setting
switch 53 is found to have turned on. The step #C-1 is provided for
preventing this inconvenience.
[0130] Step #C-2: A check is made to see if an applicable memory
address is at "0011" thus indicating that the head 3-1 has gained
access to a track which is one of two tracks having a frame video
signal recorded therein and is located on the outer side of the
other. If so, the flow of operation proceeds to a step #C-3. If
not, it branches out to a step #C-5.
[0131] Step #C-3: A check is made to see if a memory address N+1 is
at "0010" thus indicating that a track to which the head 3-2 has
gained access is one of the two frame signal recorded tracks and is
located on the inner side. If so, the flow of operation proceeds to
a step #C-4. If not, it branches out to the step #C-5.
[0132] Step #C-4: The flow of operation comes to this step upon
detection of that a frame video signal is recorded in two adjacent
tracks to which the heads 3-1 and 3-2 have gained access in the
steps #C-2 and #C-3. A field flag is cleared and the frame mode is
set.
[0133] Step #C-5: The PB LED 44A shown in FIG. 3 lights up. The PB
mode flag is set. A reproducing action begins.
[0134] Step #C-5-1: The CPU 40 causes the character generator 84 to
suspend its character generating action. The CPU 40 also stores at
the RAM 27 the ID signal data demodulated by the data demodulator
12. Step #C-5-2: A check is made to see if there obtains a mode of
displaying the ID signal. If so, the flow of operation proceeds to
a step #C-5-3. It not, it comes to a step #C-6. Step #C-5-3: The
CPU 40 reads out the ID data demodulated by the data demodulator 12
and causes the character generator 84 to generate a character
pattern. Therefore, the ID data is displayed on the monitor 13 in a
state of being superimposed on the reproduced video signal. The
flow then proceeds to the step #C-6.
[0135] Step #C-6: In the event of a continuous ON state of the PB
mode setting switch 53, this step is repeated. the flow of
operation comes back to the step #A-1 through the step #A-14 of
FIG. 6A when the switch 53 is turned off.
[0136] Subroutine (G):
[0137] The subroutine (G) which is to be called out when the
interval time setting switch 57 is turned on is as described below
with reference to FIG. 11. At the step #G-0 of the subroutine (G),
the timer T' is first initialized and an interval time Ti is
displayed at the 7-segment LED 25.
[0138] Step #G-1: The timer T' is initialized to zero with the
interval time setting switch 57 having been found to be turned on
at the step #A-7 of FIG. 6A before the flow of operation comes to
this step #G-1. Then, if the ten-key switch arrangement 63-72 is
turned on, the flow proceeds to a step #G-2. If not, it branches
out to a step #G-3.
[0139] Step #G-2: The interval time Ti is changed to another
interval time value Ti set by the ten-key switch arrangement
63-72.
[0140] Step #G-3: A check is made to find if any switch other than
the ten-key switch arrangement 63-72 is turned on. If so, the flow
of operation proceeds to a step #G-4. If not, it branches to a step
#G-5.
[0141] Step #G-4: A check is made for the ON state of the interval
time setting switch 57. If the switch 57 is found on, the flow of
operation comes to the step #G-1. If not, it branches to the step
#A-1 shown in FIG. 6A.
[0142] Step #G-5: The value of the timer T' is increased by one and
the flow of operation shifts to a step #G-6 after one second. The
timer T' is arranged to be incremented every sec by one. No
addition is performed before the lapse of one sec.
[0143] Step #G-6: The timer T' is checked to find if it is at a
value 10. If so, the flow of operation comes to the step #A-1 of
FIG. 6A. If not, it comes to the step #G-1 to repeat the loop of
steps #G-1, #G-3, #G-5 and #G-6. When the value of the timer T'
becomes 10, the flow comes back to the step #A-1. Therefore, in the
subroutine (G), if no other switch turns on in ten seconds after
the interval time setting switch 57 is turned on, the flow of
operation comes back to the step #A-1 of FIG. 6A and the interval
time setting is cancelled.
[0144] While the subroutine (G) is in the process of execution, the
interval time Ti is of course displayed at the 7-segment LED 25.
However, this display comes to a stop when the flow of operation
comes back to the step #A-1 from the step #G-6.
[0145] Further, with the interval time Ti set at "0" in the
subroutine (G), there obtains an external trigger mode in which,
for example, the embodiment is connected to an external device such
as a printer as will be described later as a reproducing action in
a subroutine (K).
[0146] Subroutine (N):
[0147] Referring now to FIG. 12, a subroutine (N) which is called
when the REC switch 52 is turned on is arranged as follows:
[0148] Step #N-1: The flow of operation comes to this step when the
ON state of the REC switch 52 is detected at the step #A-2 of FIG.
6A. A check is made for the cleared state of the PB mode flag. If
the flag is not cleared thus indicating the existence of the
reproduction mode, the flow comes back to the step #A-14 of FIG. 6A
(RTS). If the flag is found to have been cleared, it proceeds to a
step #N-2. Therefore, if the REC (recording) mode is not set, no
recording action is performed even if the REC switch 52 is on.
[0149] Step #N-2: A check is made for "0000" of the memory address
N which indicates that the head 3-1 has gained access to an
unrecorded track. If the track accessed is found recorded, the flow
of operation comes back to the step #A-14 of FIG. 6A. If the track
is unrecorded, the flow comes to a step #N-3.
[0150] Step #N-3: A check is made to see if the field flag is set.
If so, the flow of operation comes to a step #N-5. If not, it
proceeds to a step #N-4.
[0151] Step #N-4: The flow of operation comes to this step when the
frame recording mode has been set. At this step, a check is made to
find if the address N+1 of the memory is at "0000" thus indicating
that the track accessed by the head 3-2 is unrecorded. If the track
is not unrecorded, the flow of operation comes back to the step
#A-14 of FIG. 6A. If the track is unrecorded, the REC LED 44B has
been flickering. In the case of the unrecorded track, the flow
branches out to a step #N-6.
[0152] Step #N-5: the head 3-1 records one field portion of the
video signal in one track on the magnetic sheet 1. Then, the switch
SW6 shown in FIG. 1 is turned off and the output of the character
generator 84 ceases to appear on the monitor 13. Meanwhile, "0001"
is set at the memory address N. Step #N-6: In case that the flow of
operation comes to this step, the apparatus is in the frame
recording mode. Therefore, the heads 3-1 and 3-2 respectively
record one-field portions of the video signal in two tracks on the
magnetic sheet 1. Then, "0011" is set at the memory address N and
"0010" at the memory address N+1. The switch SW6 is turned off in
the same manner as in the case of the step #N-5. Following this,
the stepping motor 24 is driven to shift inward the heads 3-1 and
3-2 to an extent corresponding to one track width.
[0153] In executing the steps #N-5 and #N-6, the switches SW2 to
SW5 are driven as described in the foregoing with reference to FIG.
2. Further, in performing a recording operation at the step #N-6,
the CPU 40 reads out the set ID data from the RAM 27 and supplies
it to the data modulator 14. The data modulator 14 modulates the ID
data into a DPSK signal. The modulated ID data is supplied to the
recording amplifier 16 and is then recorded in a state of being
superimposed on the video signal. However, in the event of an ID
data display mode which will be described later with reference to
FIG. 21(c), the ID data (signal) is not recorded. In that instance,
however, the data provided for indicating whether the track is on
the inner side or on the outer side of a frame is simply recorded
together with the video signal. Further, even in a display mode as
shown in FIG. 21(a) or 21(b), the ID data signal is not displayed
on the monitor 13 with the switch SW6 kept in an OFF state during
the recording operation performed by executing the steps #N-5 and
#N-6.
[0154] Step #N-7: The recording-in-process flag is set. Then, the
switch SW6 of FIG. 1 turns on.
[0155] With the steps #N-1 to #N-7 executed, the set ID data is
produced by the character generator 84 and is superimposed on the
video signal. When it is supplied to the monitor 13, the character
signal which is produced only during the execution of recording is
cut off by the switch SW6 of FIG. 1 and then the character
disappears. The monitor 13 again displays the ID data when the
switch SW6 is turned on at the step #N-7.
[0156] Step #N-8: The subroutine (D) is called. If the head 3-1 has
access to a track other than the 50th track, the flow of operation
shifts from the steps #D-1 and #D-2 to the step #D-3. Then, the
flow shifts from the step #D-3 to the step #D-13 to shift the heads
3-1 and 3-2 inward to the extent of one track. In the case of the
frame recording mode, the heads 3-1 and 3-2 have already been
shifted inward to the extent of one track at the step #N-6. In that
case, therefore, the head 3-1 comes to gain access to a track
located next to the track recorded at the step #N-6 although the
embodiment is in the frame recording mode. In the event that the
tracks to be used for recording by the heads 3-1 and 3-2 already
have existing records, the REC LED 44B which is shown in FIG. 3
make a blinking display to give a warning to the operator. After
that, the flow of operation branches from the step #D-15 to the
step #D-19 and then from the step #D-19 to the steps #D-20 to #D-34
to carry out these steps. More specifically, in case that the track
feed speed setting value is for a single performance, the flow
branches from the step #D-21 to the step #D-34. Then, in accordance
with the REC-in-process flag which has been set at the step #N-7,
the flow comes back to the step #N-9. In case that the track feed
speed for two picture planes per sec or five picture planes per sec
has been set, subtraction is made from the value of the wait timer
register as much as a period of time required for recording at the
step #D-28. With the value of the wait timer register down counted,
when the value of the register becomes zero, the flow of operation
comes back from the step #D-33 via the step #D-34 to the step #N-9
according to the REC-in-process flag set at the step #N-7 in the
same manner as mentioned above.
[0157] Step #N-9: The REC-in-process flag is cleared.
[0158] Step #N-10: The step is similar to the step #D-20. Data of
the track feed speed setting value is taken in from the memory.
[0159] Step #N-11: If the track feed speed setting value is for a
single performance, the flow of operation comes to a step #N-12. If
not, it comes back to the step #A-14 shown in FIG. 6A.
[0160] Step #N-12: With the track feed speed set for the single
performance, if the REC switch 52 is in an ON state, this step is
repeated to prevent recording from being performed by repeating
this step to have the subroutine (N) carried out.
[0161] In case that the track feed speed is set at a value not for
the single performance and that the REC switch 52 is in an ON
state, the flow comes from the step #N-11 via the step #A-14 to the
step #A-1. Then, at the step #A-2, the subroutine (N) is called out
to carry out the above subroutine. Thus, as long as the REC switch
52 remains in the ON state, recording is continuously performed at
the set track feed speed. If the REC switch 52 is in an OFF state,
the flow of operation comes from the step #N-12 to the steps #A-14,
#A-1 and #A-2. However, the continuous recording comes to an end at
the step #A-2 without calling the subroutine (N).
[0162] Subroutine (H):
[0163] Referring to FIG. 13, a subroutine (H) which is called when
the program setting switch 58 is turned on is arranged as described
below:
[0164] Step #H-1: When the program setting switch 58 is found to
have been turned on at the step #A-8 of FIG. 6A, the flow of
operation comes to this step. A check is made to find if the PB
mode flag has been set. If so, the flow proceeds to a step #H-2. If
not, it comes back to the step #A-1 of FIG. 6A (RTS). This step
#H-1 is provided for inhibiting program setting in the recording
mode. In this embodiment, the reproduction mode must be selected
before setting a program. Then, program setting is performed while
confirming on a monitor the video signal recorded in the magnetic
sheet 1.
[0165] The change-over to the reproducing mode can be automatically
effected by automatically setting the PB mode flag when the program
setting switch 58 is turned on. In that instance, a step is
provided in a manner similar to the step shown in the subroutine
(C), that is, the step #H-1 is replaced with a step "call (C)" for
calling the subroutine (C).
[0166] Step #H-2: During the process of programed reproduction
using a programed track memory which is arranged to store a program
as shown in FIG. 14, the content of a register I showing an address
of the programed track number at which the number of a track to be
next reproduced is changed to zero.
[0167] Step #H-3: A programed reproduction mode flag which
indicates selection of the programed reproduction mode is set. The
flow then comes back to the step #A-1.
[0168] Subroutine (I):
[0169] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a subroutine (I) which is to
be called when the programed track setting switch 62 is turned on
after the programed reproduction mode is set by the subroutine
(H).
[0170] Step #I-1: A check is made to see if the programed
reproduction mode flag has been set. If so, the flow of operation
proceeds to a step #I-2. If not, it branches out to the step #A-1.
Therefore, with the programed reproduction mode not set by the
program setting switch 58, no program setting action is performed
even when the programed track setting switch 62 is operated.
[0171] Step #I-2: a register S which is initially set at a state of
S=0 when the power supply is switched on at the step #1 indicates
the foremost address storing the program of the above stated
programed track memory. At the step #I-2, data which is the same as
the content of the register S is written into a register M.
[0172] Step #I-3: The data of the programed track memory stored at
the register M is stored at an address which is larger by one than
the above stated address. In other words, the tracks number
indicating data stored at the programed track memory is stored at
another address which is larger by one than the address storing the
data.
[0173] Step #I-4: A value obtained by adding one to the content of
the register M is written into a register I.
[0174] Step #I-5: One is subtracted from the content of the
register M.
[0175] Step #I-6: A check is made as to whether or not the content
of the register M is not greater than zero. If it is found zero or
less than zero, the flow proceeds to a step #I-7. If it is found
greater than zero, it branches out to the step #I-3.
[0176] The loop of steps #I-3 to #I-6 are repeated until the
content of the register becomes zero. When it becomes zero, all the
data stored at the addresses of the programed track memory are
respectively transferred to addresses larger by one. Therefore,
when the flow comes from the step #I-6 to a step #I-7 after
repeating the loop of steps, no data is stored at the address 1 of
the programed track memory.
[0177] Step #I-7: The number of a track to which the head 3-1 has
access is stored at the address 1 of the programed track memory.
Therefore, with the programed track setting switch 62 turned on,
the number of a track having the recorded video signal thereof
being reproduced by the head 3-1 is programed.
[0178] Step #I-8: One is added to the content of the register S.
With this step performed, the foremost address (the largest
address) of data of the programed track memory shifted by execution
of the loop of steps #I-3 to #I-6 is always stored at the register
S.
[0179] Step #I-9: This step is repeated while the programed track
setting switch 62 is in an ON state. When the switch 62 turns off,
the flow of operation comes back to the step #A-1.
[0180] In case that the operator further proceeds with program
setting, the track UP switch 54 or the track DOWN switch 55 is
turned o to change the tracks to which the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are to
be shifted. When reproduction is made from a desired track, program
setting can be accomplished by turning on the programed track
setting switch 62 while confirming a picture thus reproduced.
[0181] The data stored at each of addresses of the programed track
memory shown in FIG. 14 comes to be stored at a larger address one
by one every time the programed track setting switch 62 is turned
on. During the process of program setting, the registers S and I
have exactly the same content as each other.
[0182] With a program set by turning on the program setting switch
58 and the programed track setting switch 62, the program is
reproduced by a program reproducing operation. Programs for
execution of the programed reproduction and an interval reproducing
operation which is carried out by reproducing records at set
intervals one after another from recorded tracks accessed by the
heads 3-1 are as described below with reference to FIGS. 16 to
18:
[0183] Subroutine (K):
[0184] FIG. 16 shows a subroutine (K) which is called when the
start switch 60 is turned on. The subroutine (K) consists of the
following steps:
[0185] Step #K-1: With the start switch 60 found to have turned on
at the step #A-11 of FIG. 6A, the flow of operation comes to this
step to make a check to see if the PB mode flag has been set. If
not, the flow comes to the step #A-1. If the flag is set, the flow
comes to a step #K-2. In this embodiment, therefore, neither
interval reproduction nor programed reproduction are possible if
the reproduction mode is not set. Therefore, interval reproduction
or program reproduction can be prevented from being accidentally
started even if the start switch 60 is turned on by mistake when
the embodiment is in the recording mode. This arrangement, however,
may be changed to permit starting interval reproduction or
programed reproduction immediately by just turning on the start
switch 60 without setting the reproduction mode set beforehand. In
the case of that modification, the step #K-1 is replaced with a
step similar to the step #C-5.
[0186] Step #K-2: A check is made to see if the programed
reproduction mode flag has been set. If so, the flow proceeds to a
step #K-3. If not, it branches to a step #K-4. In the case that the
programed reproduction mode flag is not set, i.e. in carrying out
interval reproduction, the flow of operation takes place in the
following manner:
[0187] Step #K-4: A check is made to see if the address N of the
memory is at "0000" indicating that the head 3-1 has gained access
to an unrecorded track. If so, the flow of operation comes to a
step #K-6. If not, it proceeds to a step #K-5. In the case that the
track accessed by the head 3-1 is not recorded, the flow of
operation from the step #K-6 is as follows:
[0188] In the embodiment described below, if the track accessed by
the head 3-1 is not the 49th nor 50th track, only recorded tracks
are reproduced one after another beginning with the accessed track.
If the track is either the 49th or 50th track, recorded tracks are
reproduced beginning with the first track. However, this
arrangement can be changed to have the reproduction of recorded
tracks begin always from the first track by inserting an additional
step of driving the stepping motor 24 to cause the head 3-1 to gain
access to the first track in between the steps #K-2 and #K-4.
[0189] This arrangement is highly advantageous in carrying out a
look-up operation by automatic interval reproduction starting with
the first track one after another in the event that the head 3-1
has access to a track other than the first track.
[0190] Step #K-6: An automatic track feeding flag is set indicating
that an interval reproducing operation is in process.
[0191] Step #K-7: A check is made to see if the field flag has been
set. If so, the flow of operation proceeds to a step #K-8. If not,
it branches to a step #K-9.
[0192] Step #K-8: The register N is checked to find if it is at 50
thus indicating that the track accessed by the head 3-1 is the
innermost track. If so, the flow of operation comes to a step
#K-10. If not, it comes to a step #K-11.
[0193] Step #K-9: The register N is checked to find if it is at 49
thus indicating that the track accessed by the head 3-1 is in the
innermost position but one. If so, the flow proceeds to the step
#K-10. If not, it comes to the step #K-11.
[0194] Step #K-10: The interval time Ti which is set by execution
of the subroutine (G) is checked to find if it is at "0" thus
indicating a mode in which the head 3-1 is to be shifted in
accordance with a preset program in response to an external trigger
signal as will be described later. If the interval time Ti is set
at "0" because of that mode, the flow branches out to the step
#A-1. If not, it comes to a step #K-12.
[0195] Step #K-11: The subroutine (D) is called to execute steps
#D-1 to #D-18. The PB mode flag is set when the subroutine (D) is
called during the execution of the subroutine (K). Therefore, the
flow of operation branches from the step #D-2 to the step #D-9.
Then, the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted inward to an extent of two
tracks at steps #D-12 and #D-13 if a track located more inward by
one track than the track accessed by the head 3-1 is found to be
the inner side track of the two tracks having a frame video signal
recorded therein and if the head 3-1 is not having access to the
49th track at the step #K-4. If not, the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are
shifted inward to an extent of only one track at the step #D-13.
Further, if a frame video signal is recorded in the tracks accessed
by the heads 3-1 and 3-2, the field flag is cleared and the flow of
operation shifts from the step #D-19 to a step #K-14.
[0196] Step #K-12: The subroutine (E) is called. The steps #E-1 to
#E-13 and #D-14 to #D-19 are carried out. In case that a frame
video signal is found at the step #K-4 to be recorded in two tracks
located adjacent to and on the outer side of a track accessed by
the head 3-1, the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted outward to the
extent of two tracks at steps #E-12 and #E-13. With the exception
of this case, the heads are shifted outward to the extent of only
one track. Further, like in the case of the step #K-11, if a frame
video signal is recorded in the tracks accessed by the heads 3-1
and 3-2, the field flag is cleared and the flow shifts from the
step #D-19 to a step #K-13.
[0197] Step #K-13: The content of the register N is checked to see
if it is 1 thus indicating that the track accessed by the head 3-1
is the outermost track. If so, the flow proceeds to a step #K-14.
If not, it branches out to the step #K-12. Therefore, in case that
the flow of operation branches to the step #K-12 from the step #K-8
or #K-9 with the head 3-1 gaining access to the 49th or 50th track,
the steps #K-12 and #K-13 are repeated to bring the head 3-1 to the
first track.
[0198] Step #K-14: The automatic track feeding flag is cleared.
[0199] As mentioned above, when the flow of operation comes from
the step #K-4 to the step #K-5 with the steps #K-4 to #K-=14
carried out, the head 3-1 comes to have access to a track having a
video signal recorded therein. All the tracks having no video
signal recorded therein are skipped over and substantially not
reproduced.
[0200] Further, when the flow comes from the step #K-4 to the step
#K-5 with the steps #K-4 to #K-14 executed, if a frame video signal
is recorded in two tracks accessed by the heads 3-1 and 3-2, the
filed flag has been cleared at the step #D-18 of the subroutine
(D). In that event, therefore, a frame reproduction mode is
automatically set. Further, if a field video signals are recorded
in tracks accessed by the heads 3-1 and 3-2, a field reproduction
mode is automatically set. In the event of interval reproduction,
therefore, the embodiment is automatically set in the optimum
reproduction mode according to the manner in which the video signal
is recorded.
[0201] Step #K-5: The interval time Ti set by the subroutine (G) is
taken into the CPU 40 from the memory.
[0202] Step #K-15: A check is made to see if the interval time Ti
is at "0" in a manner similar to the step #K-10. If so, the flow
branches out to a step #K-17'. If not, it comes to a step #K-16.
Assuming that no external trigger mode is set in this case, the
flow of operation at the step #K-16 and steps ensuing it is as
follows:
[0203] Step #K-16: The timer 1 begins to count time. The flow comes
to a step #K-18.
[0204] Step #K-18: A check is made to see if the timer 1 has
counted one second. If so, the flow proceeds to a step #K-19. If
not, the flow branches out to a step #K-20.
[0205] Step #K-20: A check is made to see if the stop switch 61 is
in an ON state. If so, the flow branches out to the step #A-1. If
not, it comes to a step #K-21. When the flow branches to the step
#A-1, the steps #A-1 to #A-12 are executed. Therefore, when the
stop switch 61 is turned on under a normal condition, the flow
calls a subroutine (M) at the step #A-12.
[0206] Subroutine (M):
[0207] The subroutine (M) is as described below with reference to
FIG. 17:
[0208] Step #M-1: A check is made to see if the programed
reproduction mode flag is set. If not, the flow comes to the step
#A-14. If the flag is set, the flow proceeds to a step #M-2.
[0209] Step #M-2: A check is made to see if a programed
reproduction-in-process flag is set. If so, the flow proceeds to a
step #M-3. If not, it branches out to a step #M-4.
[0210] Step #M-3: The content of the register I is equalized with
that of the register S.
[0211] Step #M-4: The content of the register S is shifted to zero.
Then, the step #M-3 is executed.
[0212] Further details of the subroutine (M) will be described
later along with the programed reproduction mode. The flow of
operation at a step #K-21 and steps ensuing it is as follows:
[0213] Step #K-21: A check is made to see if the track UP switch 54
is on. If the switch is found to be on, the subroutine (D) is
called to shift the heads 3-1 and 3-2 inward. If not, the flow
proceeds to a step #K-22.
[0214] Step #K-22: The track DOWN switch 55 is checked to see if it
is on. If it is, the subroutine (E) is called to shift the heads
3-1 and 3-2 outward. If not, the flow of operation branches out to
the step #K-18.
[0215] Step #K-19: One is subtracted from the interval time Ti
taken in from the memory.
[0216] Step #K-23: If the interval time Ti is zero, the flow
proceeds to a step #K-24. If not, the flow branches to the step
#K-16.
[0217] During interval reproduction, images recorded in tracks
neighboring the tracks under the reproducing operation thus can be
reproduced by turning on the track UP switch 54 and the track DOWN
switch 55 with the above stated steps #K-15 to #K-23 carried out.
In that instance, the track to be reproduced at the track feeding
speed set by the subroutine (F) can be automatically renewed from
one track to another by keeping the switch 54 or 55 in its ON
state. Therefore, an image preceding by several picture planes can
be readily reproduced during the interval reproduction.
[0218] Further, in reproducing the images recorded in the tracks
neighboring the track under the reproducing operation by turning on
the track UP switch 54 and the track DOWN switch 55, if the
reproducing operation is performed for the remaining period of the
interval time Ti of the track under the reproducing operation, the
flow of operation according to the arrangement of this embodiment
shifts from the step #K-23 to the step #K-24 to renew the
reproducing track. However, this arrangement may be changed to
reset the interval time Ti to enable the operator to observe the
image renewed by the switch 54 or 55 for a predetermined period of
time without fail by allowing the flow of operation to jump to the
step #K-5 as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 16.
[0219] Step #K-24: At the time of renewal of the reproducing track
after the end of the interval time Ti, a check is made to see if
the programed reproduction mode has been set. If so, the flow
branches to the step #K-3. If not, it branches to the step
#K-6.
[0220] Subroutine (O):
[0221] FIG. 18 shows a subroutine (O) which is called when the
programed reproduction mode flag is found to be set at the step
#K-2. The subroutine (O) is as described below with reference to
FIG. 18:
[0222] Step #O-1: The register S is checked to see if its content
is "0". If so, the flow comes to the step #A-1. If not, it proceeds
to a step #O-2. As mentioned in the foregoing, the foremost address
of the programed track memory at which a program is set is stored
at the register S. When the content of the register S is "0", it
indicates that no program is stored. In this instance, therefore,
the flow of operation comes back to the subroutine (A).
[0223] Step #O-2: A check is made to see if the content of the
register I is "0". If so, the flow proceeds to a step #O-3. If not,
the flow branches out to a step #O-5.
[0224] As mentioned in the foregoing, the address of the track
memory storing the number of a track to be next reproduced during
the execution of programed reproduction is stored at the register
I. during the programed reproduction, one is subtracted from the
register I every time one step of programed reproduction is
performed, as described in a step #O-14. Therefore, the fact that
the flow comes to the step #O-2 and the register I is found to be
at "0" does not indicate that the register S is at "0" with a
program set but indicates completion of execution of one round of
steps of programed reproduction. In other words, with the programed
reproduction having been performed for once, the flow of operation
comes to a step #O-3. If the programed reproduction is still in
process, the flow branches to a step #O-5.
[0225] Step #O-3: The interval time Ti set by the subroutine (G) is
taken in. A check is made to see if the interval time Ti is at "0".
If so, the flow comes back to the step #A-1 to complete the
programed reproduction.
[0226] Therefore, in the external trigger mode which is set with
the interval time set at "0", a program reproducing operation comes
to a stop upon completion of execution of one round of the
programed reproduction.
[0227] In the case of normal programed reproduction for which the
interval time Ti is set at a value other than "0", the flow shifts
to a step #O-4.
[0228] Step #O-4: The content of the register S is written into the
register I. Then, the programed action is resumed.
[0229] Step #O-5: The data (I) of an address of the programed track
memory which is set at the register I (indicating data written in
an address set at the register I of the programed track memory by
parenthesizing I) is read out.
[0230] Step #O-6: The data (I) is subtracted from the content of
the register N indicating the number of a track to which the head
3-1 presently gains access. If the result of subtraction is not
less than "0", the flow comes to a step #O-9. If it is less than
"0", the flow comes to a step #O-7.
[0231] Step #O-7: The field flag is set for the purpose of
inhibiting the heads from being shifted in the frame mode in the
same manner as in the case of the step #D-8.
[0232] Step #O-8: The heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted outward to an
extent corresponding to one track.
[0233] Step #O-9: A check is made to see if the number of a track
to which the head 3-1 has access as indicated by the register N is
equal to the data (I). If so, the flow comes to a step #O-11. If
not and the data (I) is larger, the flow comes to a step #O-10.
[0234] Step #O-10: The heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted inward to the
extent corresponding to one track.
[0235] Steps #O-11, #O-12 and #O-13: These steps are similar to the
steps #D-16, #D-17 and #D-18. Either frame reproduction or field
reproduction is automatically performed according to whether the
video signal recorded by these steps is a frame video signal or
field video signal.
[0236] Further, the head 3-1 is controlled by repeating the steps
#O-6 to #O-10 to have access to track programed at the programed
track memory.
[0237] Steps #O-14: One is subtracted from the register I.
[0238] Step #O-15: A programed reproduction-in-process flag is set.
With this step performed, the flow can be branched by making a
check at the step #K-24 to see if the program reproduction mode
flag is set. Next, the flow jumps to the step #K-5.
[0239] Therefore, when the subroutine (O) is called at the step
#K-2, a check is first made for an actual set state of a
reproduction program. Further, a check is made to see if the
external trigger mode has been set. If the external trigger mode is
found to have been set, the program is executed only for once. With
the exception of this, the programed reproduction is performed in a
repeating manner.
[0240] The flow of operation in the external trigger mode is as
follows: In this instance, the flow branches from the step #K-15 to
a step #K-17'.
[0241] Step #K-17': A check is made to find whether a printer
connected to the embodiment as an external device is busy
(performing a printing action). If so, the flow of operation comes
to the step #A-1. If not, it branches out to a step #K-18'.
[0242] Step #K-18': A print start signal is sent to the printer.
The print start signal can be sent by making high the signal level
of a terminal connected to the printer.
[0243] Step #K-19': There obtains a wait state for 150 m.sec.
[0244] Step #K-20': If the printer is busy, the flow of operation
comes to a step #K-21'. If not, the flow branches out to a step
#K-24.
[0245] Step #K-21': The stop switch 61 is checked for an ON state
thereof. If not, the flow comes to the step #K-20'. If the switch
61 is found to be turned on, the flow comes back to the step
#A-1.
[0246] If the printer which is connected as an external device is
found busy in executing the steps #K-17' to #K-21', the flow of
operation comes back to the step #A-1 as mentioned above. In that
instance, the flow shown in FIG. 16 is repeated until another
switch is turned on. During this repeating process, when the start
switch 60 is again turned on, the above stated flow of operation is
repeated to carry out the step #K-17'.
[0247] In case that the printer is not connected as an external
device, a terminal which is arranged to receive a signal from the
busy signal output terminal of the printer 13' as shown in FIG. 1
opens to have a high level there. This causes the flow of operation
to come back to repeat the above stated flow. Therefore, in the
event that no external device such as the printer is connected
although the external trigger mode is set, the record of the tracks
to which the heads 3-1 and 3-2 have access is continuously
reproduced and the reproducing tracks are not renewed.
[0248] Further, with the printer connected as an external device,
if the printer is not busy and the flow proceeds from the step
#K-17' to the step #K-18' a printer start action begins when the
wait time of 150 m.sec of the step #K-19' elapses after a print
start signal is applied to the printer. Then, when the printer thus
becomes busy, the steps #K-20' and #K-21' are repeated until either
the action of the printer comes to an end or the stop switch 61 is
turned on. When the action of the printer comes to an end, the flow
branches from the step K-20' to a step #K-24. At this step, a check
is made to find if the programed reproduction mode has been set. If
so, the flow branches to the step #K-3. If not, it branches to the
step #K-6. Further, in case that the stop switch 61 is turned on,
the flow of operation is performed in the same manner as described
in the foregoing.
[0249] When the external trigger mode is selected in the programed
reproduction mode, programed reproduction is performed and comes to
a stop at the end of one performance of reproduction as mentioned
at the step #O-3 in the foregoing.
[0250] In accordance with the arrangement of this embodiment, even
in case that the programed reproduction mode is not set while the
external trigger mode has been selected, the provision of the step
#K-10 brings a reproducing operation to a stop when the records of
the tracks are reproduced one after another for once from the
tracks accessed by the heads 3-1 and 3-2 to the last track.
Therefore, in the external trigger mode, reproduction comes to a
stop irrespective as to whether the programed reproduction is set
or not set. Therefore, with a printer used as an external
triggering device, printing is performed only once.
[0251] In cases other than the external trigger mode, after
reproduction is performed once in the predetermined sequence,
reproduction is again performed from the beginning irrespective as
to whether the programed reproduction mode is set or not set.
Therefore, with the exception of the external trigger mode, the
so-called endless reproduction can be performed as the reproduction
is thus arranged to be repeated in the predetermined sequence.
[0252] While the printer is described by way of example as an
external triggering device usable in combination with the
embodiment, the external device is not limited to a printer but may
be a device having an electrically transmitting function or a
device for processing a reproduced signal.
[0253] Subroutine (R):
[0254] In case that the ID signal is to be set, the flow of
operation is performed in the following manner:
[0255] In the subroutine (A), when some of the ten-key switches 63
to 72 is turned on, the flow of operation branches off to the
subroutine (R) which is as shown in FIG. 19.
[0256] Step #R-1: If the PB mode flag is set, the flow branches off
to a step #R-10 and comes back to the flow of the subroutine (A).
With the exception of the recording mode, therefore, substantially
nothing is performed in this subroutine even with any of the
ten-key switches turned on. However, if the PB mode flag is not
set, i.e. in the event of the recording mode, the flow of operation
proceeds to a step #R-2. Step #R-2: A check is made to see if there
obtains the ID signal setting mode in which the ID signal is
superimposed on the video signal and is monitored. The method for
setting that mode will be later described in detail with reference
to FIG. 20. If the apparatus is not in that mode, the flow branches
off to a step #R-10 and comes back to the step #A-1 of the flow of
FIG. 6A. If the apparatus is in that mode, the flow proceeds to a
step #R-3. Step #R-3: The CPU 40 reads from the register P of the
RAM 27 data indicative of a set position in which the set ID signal
is to be displayed on the monitor. Then, the data corresponding to
some of the ten-key switches 63 to 72 which have been turned on is
written in the address of the RAM 27 corresponding to the set
position. The CPU 40 then controls the character generator 84 to
have the data displayed on the monitor 13 according to the read set
position. Step #R-4: The flow of operation waits until the ten-key
switch turns off. When the switch which has been on comes to turn
off, the flow proceeds to a step #R-5. Step #R-5: In the ID signal,
the setting positions for the data other than the data for year,
month and day are 11 points from 0 to 10 as shown in FIG. 21(a).
Therefore, if the data of the register P is equal to 11, the flow
comes to a step #R-6. If not, it comes to a step #R-7. Step #R-6,
the register P is set at 0 and the data setting position is thus
initialized. Step #R-7: One is added to the value of the register
P. The data setting position is shifted to a next position. Step
#R-7-1: The data in the positions stored at the register P blinks.
Step #R-8: A check is made to see if the ten-key switches 63-72 are
in their ON state. If so, the flow branches off to the step #R-3
and the ID data set by the ten-key switches through the flow as
described in the foregoing is displayed on the monitor 13. If not,
the flow proceeds to a step #R-9. Step #R-9: A check is made to see
if any switch other than the ten-key switches 63 to 72 is in an ON
state. If not, the flow comes to the step #R-8. If so, the flow
comes to a step #R-11. Step #R-11: The register P in the ID data
setting position is set at 0 to initialize the ID data setting
position and the flow comes to a step #R-9-1. Step #R-9-1: The ID
data display on the monitor stops blinking. The flow comes to a
step #R-10. Step #R-10: The flow comes back to the subroutine
(A).
[0257] As mentioned in the foregoing, in case that the PB mode flag
is not set and that the apparatus is in the ID data setting mode,
i.e. the mode in which the set ID data can be monitored, the CPU 40
controls the character generator 84, every time some of the ten-key
switches 63 to 72 turns on, to have the data corresponding to that
switch generated in the position determined by the register P.
[0258] Subroutine (Q):
[0259] The ID switch 73 is arranged as follows: When the switch 73
is turned on in the subroutine (A), a subroutine (Q) which is as
shown in FIG. 20 is called. In the subroutine (Q): Step #Q-1: a
check is made to see if the PB mode flag is set. If so, the flow
comes to a step #Q-2. If not, it branches off to a step #Q-7. Step
#Q-2: A check is made for an ID display mode, i.e. a mode in which
the ID data (or signal) is displayed on the monitor in a state of
being superimposed on the video signal. If the apparatus is found
to be in the ID display mode, the flow comes to a step #Q-4. If
not, it proceeds to a step #Q-3. Step #Q-3: The CPU 40 controls the
character generator 84 to bring to a stop the display of the ID
data being produced from the generator. The flow then comes to a
step #Q-6. Step #Q-4: The CPU 40 takes in the reproduced ID data
from the RAM 27. The flow proceeds to a step #Q-5. Step #Q-5: The
CPU 40 controls on the basis of the reproduced ID signal the
character generator 84 to have the reproduced ID signal data
produced from the generator 84 in the form of a character pattern
as shown in FIG. 21(a). The flow of operation then proceeds to a
step #Q-6. Step #Q-6: The flow waits when the switch 73 is on and
proceeds to a next step coming back to the subroutine (A) when the
switch 73 turns off. Step #Q-7: In case that the PB mode flag is
not set and there obtains the recording mode, a check is made for
the ID setting mode, i.e. the mode in which the ID signal is
produced from the character generator 84 in the form of a character
pattern superimposed on the video signal. If the apparatus is in
that mode, the flow comes to a step #Q-9. If not, it proceeds to a
step #Q-8. A step #Q-8: A check is made to see if characters "ID"
are produced from the character generator 84. If so, the flow comes
to a step #Q-10. If not, it comes to a step #Q-11. Step #Q-9: The
CPU controls the character generator 84 to stop the ID data from
being displayed and to have a two character pattern "ID" generated
from the character generator 84 as shown in FIG. 21(b) and to have
a mode of displaying the character pattern "ID". The flow then
comes to the step #Q-6. In other words, when the ID switch 73 is
turned on in the ID setting mode, there is set the character "ID"
display mode.
[0260] Step #Q-10: The CPU 40 controls the character generator 84
to bring the whole character pattern display to a stop as shown in
FIG. 21(c). The flow then comes to the step #Q-6. Step #Q-11: The
flow comes to this step when the apparatus is not in the ID setting
mode nor in the character "ID" display mode. In other words, there
obtains a mode of stopping the ID data from being displayed.
Therefore, the CPU 40 takes in the set ID data from the RAM 27. The
CPU 40 then controls the character generator 84 to have the set ID
data produced from the character generator 84 in the form of a
character pattern as shown in FIG. 21(a). In other words, the ID
setting mode is obtained by this step. The flow then comes to the
step #Q-6.
[0261] As described above, the ID data display mode changes every
time the ID switch 73 turns on. Namely, in the case of the
reproduction mode, the ID display mode in which the reproduced ID
data is displayed on the monitor in a state of being superimposed
on the video signal and the ID non-displaying mode in which the
reproduced ID data is not displayed are alternately obtained every
time the ID switch 73 is operated. More specifically stated, the ID
display mode of FIG. 21(a) and the ID non-displaying mode of FIG.
21(c) are alternately repeated. In case of the recording mode, the
ID data setting mode in which all the ID data to be set are all
displayed, the character "ID" display mode in which only the
character pattern of "ID" is displayed and another mode in which
the ID data is not displayed on the monitor are arranged to obtain
repeatedly in rotation every time the ID switch 73 turns on. In
other words, the modes as represented by FIGS. 21(a), 21(b) and
21(c) are repeatedly changed from one over to another. The
arrangement for displaying the ID data in the recording mode is
further described as follows: When the video signal is recorded in
the mode which is shown in FIG. 21(a) or 21(b), the ID data signal
which is modulated into a DPSK signal and is recorded in a state of
being superimposed on the video signal at the step #N-5 or #N-6 as
shown in FIG. 12. Further, when the video signal is recorded in the
mode of FIG. 21(c), the ID data is not recorded. However, the data
which indicates that the video signal is on the inner side or outer
side of frame recording or recorded in the field recording mode is
always recorded along with the video signal.
[0262] In short, this specific embodiment is arranged to permit
change-over of the ID data display on the monitor 13 by selecting
the number of times for which the ID switch is pushed irrespective
as to whether the apparatus is in the recording mode or in the
reproduction mode.
[0263] In recording the ID signal along with the video signal, this
embodiment has, as described in the foregoing, tow different modes
of displaying the ID data. One is the ID data setting mode in which
a display is made as shown in FIG. 21(a) and the other the
character "ID" display mode in which a display is made as shown in
FIG. 21(b). The reason for this is as follows: It is possible to
set a date including the year, month and day or 11 digits as the ID
signal data. However, as shown in FIG. 21(a), it takes a
considerably large area on the picture plane of the monitor 13 to
completely display the whole ID data. The complete display of the
ID data thus might prevent adequate observation of the image
display on the monitor. However, this problem can be solved by
selecting the other display mode available as shown in FIG.
21(b).
[0264] In the reproduction mode, with the mode shown in FIG. 21(a)
or 21(b) having been set by the ID switch 73 in the recording mode,
the ID signal data recorded along with the video signal is arranged
to be displayed in the following manner: When the head is shifted
to a new track in the reproduction mode, the ID signal data
recorded in the track is reproduced on the monitor 13. More
specifically, after demodulation by the data demodulator 12 of FIG.
1, the reproduced ID data is read out by the CPU 40. The CPU 40
then drives the character generator 84 to have the ID data
displayed on the monitor 13. In this instance, the ID data read by
the CPU 40 is retained at the RAM 27. The method of displaying this
ID data is as described in the foregoing with reference to FIG.
21(a). In the case of this embodiment, the character data retained
at the RAM 27 can be displayed in the following two different modes
I) and II):
[0265] I) A display of the set ID data when it is reproduced
including only a date consisting of the year, month and day. This
is called a first display mode.
[0266] II) A display of the set ID data when it is reproduced
including some numerical data in addition to data of a date. This
is called a second display mode.
[0267] The first ID data display mode is as shown in FIG. 22(a)
while the second mode is as shown in FIG. 22(b). As shown, in the
first mode, only the date is displayed in the lower righ-hand side
corner on the monitor. In the second mode, the date and the
numerical data are displayed together at the lower right-hand
corner. Since the display is made always in the lower right-hand
corner of the picture plane of the monitor, the possibility of
hindering the display of the video signal can be minimized. The
arrangement to have the display made in the lower right corner may
be changed to have it in any other corner of the picture plane.
[0268] To perform the display action, the output signal of the data
demodulator 12 of FIG. 1 is read out by the CPU 40 and, after that,
a character is generated after confirming that no data other than
the data of date is set. The CPU 40 is arranged to have the
character generated in different positions for the first and second
modes as described in Para. I) and II) above.
[0269] In case where some data other than the data of date is found
not to have been recorded by this apparatus, the data is displayed
also in the manner as shown in FIG. 22(b). Such data is
distinguishable with a known check code recorded as the ID
data.
[0270] Subroutine (S):
[0271] In case that a date is to be set as the ID data, the
embodiment operates as follows: When the year setting switch 74 is
turned on in the subroutine (A), the flow of operation jumps to a
subroutine (S) shown in FIG. 23.
[0272] Step #S-1: If the PB mode flag is set, the flow comes to a
step #S-14 to return to the flow of the subroutine (A). If not, it
proceeds to a step #S-2. Step #S-2: A check is made to see if there
obtains the mode of having the ID data superimposed on the video
signal and produced either to the monitor or the printer. If not,
the flow comes to the step #S-14 to come back to the subroutine
(A). If there obtains that mode, it proceeds to a step #S-3. Step
#S-3: The place of the tenth digit in the year setting position on
the monitor 13 blinks. This means that a character in the position
of a reference numeral (1) in FIG. 24 blinks. In that instance, the
CPU 40 controls the character generator 84 to have the character of
this position either generated or not generated. This is
accomplished by a well known interrupt method. Following this, the
flow comes to a step #S-4. #S-4: The flow waits until the switch 74
is turned off. With the switch 74 turned off, the flow comes to a
step #S-5. Step #S-5: A check is made to see if some of the ten-key
switches 63 to 72 is turned on. If so, the flow proceeds to a step
#S-6. If not, it comes to a step #S-12. Step #S-6: The CPU 40
writes input data obtained by the ten-key switch into the RAM 27.
The CPU 40 controls the character generator 84 to have a character
pattern generated in the year setting position indicated by the
reference numeral (1) in FIG. 24. The flow then proceeds to a step
#S-7. Step #S-7: The unit digit which is in the year setting
position is caused to blink. This means that a character in a
position (2) shown in FIG. 24 blinks. This blinking action is
performed with the character generator 84 controlled by the CPU 40.
Step #S-8: The flow of operation waits until the ten-key switch is
turned off. With the ten-key switch turned off, the flow proceeds
to a step #S-9. Step #S-9: A check is made to see if any of the
ten-key switches is in its ON state. If so, the flow proceeds to a
step #S-10. If not, it comes to a step #S-13. Step #S-10: With the
ten-key switch turned on, the CPU 40 writes data received from the
ten-key switch into the RAM 27. The CPU 40 then controls the
character generator 84 to have a character pattern generated in the
position (2) of FIG. 24 which is the unit digit in the year setting
part. The flow then proceeds to a step #S-11. Step #S-11: The
character in the year setting part is stopped from blinking with
the character generator 84 controlled by the CPU 40. This informs
the operator of the end of the year setting action. The flow then
comes to a step #S-14. Step #S-12: If none of the ten-key switches
are found in their ON states at the step #S-5, a check is made for
any switch other than the ten-key switches that is in its ON state.
If no switch is found on, the flow branches off to the step #S-5 to
repeat the steps #S-5 and #S-12. If any of other switches is found
on, the flow comes to the step #S-11. Step #S-13: A check is made
for the ON state of any switch other than the ten-key switches. If
no switch is found on, the flow branches off to the step #S-9. If
any switch is found on, the flow comes to the step #S-11. Thus, the
steps #S-9 and #S-13 are repeated until some switch other than the
ten-key switches comes to turn on. Meanwhile, the character in the
year setting part continues to blink to urge the operator to finish
his or her year setting action being performed with the ten-key
switches. Step #S-14: In case that the PB mode flag is set and if
the embodiment is in the ID data setting mode, the flow of
operation comes back to the subroutine (A) from this step when the
blinking of the character is brought to a stop by the step
#S-11.
[0273] As mentioned in the foregoing, with the year setting switch
74 turned on, the place of the tenth digit in the year setting
position first begins to blink to inform the operator of a data
setting position. Then, a figure is obtained from the ten-key
switch arrangement. By this, the character generator 84 is caused
to generate this input data in the form of a character pattern in
the blinking position. Meanwhile, the CPU 40 keeps this input data
at the RAM 27. Upon completion of setting the tenth digit, the
place of the unit digit in the year setting position begins to
blink and then the applicable data is likewise set in this
position. The year setting mode comes to an end upon completion of
the unit digit setting action. The flow of operation then comes
back to the subroutine (A). However, this flow may be changed to
come under that condition to a subroutine (T) to enter a month
setting mode as follows:
[0274] Subroutine (T):
[0275] Referring to FIG. 25, the details of the month data setting
operation are as follows: When the switch 75 is turned on in the
flow of the subroutine (A), the subroutine (T) is called and there
obtains the month data setting mode.
[0276] Step #T-1: If the PB mode flag is set, the flow of operation
comes to a step #T-16 and comes back to the subroutine (A). If not,
the flow proceeds to a step #T-2. Step #T-2: A check is made for
the ID setting mode of producing the ID data to the monitor or the
printer in the state of being superimposed on the video signal. If
the apparatus is not in this mode, the flow comes to the step #T-16
for coming back to the subroutine (A). If the apparatus is in this
mode, the flow proceeds to a step #T-3. Step #T-3: The place of the
tenth digit in a month setting position on the monitor is caused to
blink. This means that the character in a position (3) as shown in
FIG. 24 blinks. This blinking action is brought about by the
control of the CPU 40 over the character generator 84 alternately
allowing and not allowing the generation of the applicable
character. The flow then proceeds to a step #T-4. Step #T-4: The
flow waits until the month setting switch 75 is turned off. When
the switch 75 is turned off, the flow proceeds to a step #T-5.
[0277] Step #T-5: A check is made to see if some of the ten-key
switches is in an ON state. If so, the flow proceeds to a step
#T-6. It not, it shifts to a step #T-13. Step #T-6: A check is made
to see if data at "2" or more than "2" has been supplied by means
of the ten-key switches. If so, the flow shifts to a step #T-14. If
not, it proceeds to a step #T-7. The flow is arranged to branch out
at this step for the purpose of accepting any unit digit only when
the initial input figure is "1" or "0" in the case of the month
setting mode.
[0278] Step #T-7: The CPU 40 writes the input data into the RAM 27
and, at the same time, controls the character generator 84 to have
a character pattern generated in a position (3) of FIG. 24, i.e. in
the position blinked at the step #T-3. The flow then proceeds to a
step #T-8. Step #T-8: The place of a unit digit in the month
setting position is blinked. This means that a character in a
position (4) of FIG. 24 is caused to blink. The flow then proceeds
to a step #T-9. Step #T-9: The flow waits until the ten-key switch
turns off. When the ten-key switch turns off, the flow proceeds to
a step #T-10. Step #T-10: A check is made to see if some of the
ten-key switches is on. If so, the flow proceeds to a step #T-11.
If not, it comes to a step #T-15. Step #T-11: The CPU 40 writes
into the RAM 27 the data received from the ten-key switches at the
step #T-5 or #T-10. The CPU 40 then controls the character
generator 84 to have a character generated in a position (4) of
FIG. 24 which is the place of the unit digit in the month setting
position. The flow then proceeds to a step #T-12. Further, in case
that the flow branches from a step #T-14 to this step, the data
received from the ten-key switch at the step #T-5 is displayed in
the place of the unit digit while "0" is displayed in the place of
the tenth digit when the steps #T-14 and #T-11 are executed. Step
#T-12: The data in the month setting position is stopped from
blinking to indicate the end of the month setting process. The flow
then comes to a step #T-16. Step #T-13: The flow branches off to
this step when none of the ten-key switches are found in their ON
states at the step #T-5. A check is made to see if any switch other
than the ten-key switches is on. If not, the flow of operation
comes to the step #T-12. In other words, the steps #T-5 and #T-13
are repeated until the ten-key switch or some other switch turns
on. The flow branches off to the step #T-6 when the ten-key switch
turns on or to the step #T-12 when some other switch turns on.
[0279] Step #T-14: The flow comes to this step when the input data
is found to be at least "2" at the step #T-6. The CPU 40 writes
data of "0" into the RAM 27 and controls the character generator 84
to have a character pattern of "0" generated in the place of the
tenth digit in the month setting position. Step #T-15: A check is
made to see if any switch other than the ten-key switches is on. If
not, the flow comes to the step #T-10. If so, it comes to the step
#T-12. Step #T-16: The flow comes back to the subroutine (A).
[0280] As mentioned in the foregoing, the place of the tenth digit
in the month setting position first blinks when the switch 75 turns
on. This indicates the position in which the data coming from the
ten-key switch is to be set. If the data is "2" or more than "2",
"0" is automatically set in the place of the tenth digit while the
data received is set in the place of the unit digit. In case that
the data received does not exceed "1", the data is of course set in
the place of the tenth digit. Then, the blinking position shifts to
the place of the unit digit. After that, data received next is of
course set in the place of the unit digit. Therefore, in accordance
with the arrangement of this embodiment, no value exceeding "2" is
set in the place of tenth digit in the month setting process. This
simplifies the month setting process.
[0281] At the step #T-3, only the place of the tenth digit is
caused to blink. This arrangement, however, may be changed to blink
both the places of the tenth and unit digits. Further, in the case
of this embodiment, the flow is arranged to come back to the
subroutine (A) upon completion of the process of setting data in
the place of the unit digit. However, this arrangement may be
changed to have the flow of operation proceed directly to a
subroutine (U) for a day setting process as shown in FIG. 26
without coming back to the subroutine (A).
[0282] Subroutine (U):
[0283] Referring to FIG. 26, the details of the process of setting
the data of day are as follows: In the flow of the subroutine (A),
when the switch 76 is turned on, a day data setting mode is called.
The flow then jumps to the subroutine (U). In the subroutine
(U):
[0284] Step #U-1: If the PB mode flag is set, the flow jumps to a
step #U-16 to come back to the subroutine (A). If not, it proceeds
to a step #U-2. Step #U-2: A check is made to see if there obtains
the ID data setting mode, i.e. the mode in which the ID data is
produced at the monitor or the printer in a state of being
superimposed on the video signal. If not, the flow comes to the
step #U-16 to come back to the subroutine (A). In the case of this
mode, the flow proceeds to a step #U-3. Step #U-3: The place of a
tenth digit in a day setting position on the monitor is blinked. In
other words, a character in a position (5) as shown in FIG. 24
blinks. The blinking action is accomplished by the control of the
CPU 40 over the character generator 84 allowing and not allowing it
to generate the character. The flow then proceeds to a step #U-4.
Step #U-4: The flow of operation waits until the day setting switch
76 turns off. When the switch 76 turns off, the flow proceeds to a
step #U-5. Step #U-5: A check is made to see if any of the ten-key
switches 63 to 72 is in its ON state. If so, the flow proceeds to a
step #U-6. If not, it comes to a step #U-13. Step #U-6: A check is
made to see if an input data from the ten-key switch is "4" or more
than "4". If so, the flow comes to a step #U-14. If not, it
proceeds to a step #U-7. In other words, in setting the day, the
flow is arranged to branch out according to the figure set at this
step for the purpose of accepting a figure for the place of the
unit digit only when the initially received figure is "3", "2", "1"
or "0".
[0285] Step #U-7: The CPU 40 writes the input data into the RAM 27
and controls the character generator 84 to have a character pattern
generated in the position (5) of FIG. 24, i.e. in the place blinked
at the step #U-3. The flow proceeds to a step #U-8. Step #U-8: The
place of the unit digit in the day setting position is blinked. In
other words, a character in a position (6) of FIG. 24 blinks. The
flow then proceeds to a step #U-9. Step #U-9: The flow waits until
the ten-key switch is turned off. When the ten-key switch turns
off, the flow proceeds to a step #U-10. Step #U-10: A check is made
to see if the ten-key switch is on. If so, the flow proceeds to a
step #U-11. If not, it comes to a step #U-15. Step #U-11: The CPU
40 writes data received from the ten-key switch at the step #U-10
into the RAM 27 and controls the character generator 84 to have a
character pattern generated in the position (6) of FIG. 24. The
flow then proceeds to a step #U-12. Further, in case that the flow
has branched off from the step #U-14 to this step, the input data
received from the ten-key switch at the step #U-5 is displayed in
the place of the unit digit while "0" is displayed in the place of
the tenth digit.
[0286] Step #U-12: The data in the day setting position stops
blinking and thus indicates the end of the day setting process. The
flow then comes to the step #U-16.
[0287] Step #U-13: The flow comes to this step from the step #U-5
when none of the ten-key switches are found not in their ON states
at the step #U-5. At this step #U-13, a check is made to see if any
switch other than the ten-key switch is in an ON state. If not, the
flow comes to the step #U-5. If so, it comes to the step #U-12. In
other words, the steps #U-5 and #U-13 are repeated until either the
ten-key switch or some other switch comes to turn on. The flow
comes to the step #U-6 when some of the ten-key switches turns on
or comes to the step #U-12 when some other switch turns on. Step
#U-14: The flow comes to this step from the step #U-6 when the
input data is found at the step #U-6 to be "4" or greater than "4".
Here, the CPU 40 writes "0" into the RAM 27 and controls the
character generator 84 to have a character pattern of "0" generated
in the place of the tenth digit in the day setting position. The
flow comes to the step #U-11. Step #U-15: A check is made to see if
any switch other than the ten-key switches is in an ON state. If
not, the flow comes to the step #U-10. If so, it comes to the step
#U-12. Step #U-16: The flow comes back to the subroutine (A).
[0288] As described above, the place of the tenth digit in the day
setting position first blinks when the switch 76 is turned on. This
indicates the place in which the data coming from the ten-key
switch is to be set. If the input data is "4" or greater than "4",
"0" is automatically set in the place of the tenth digit and then
the input data is set in the place of the unit digit. In the event
of input data not exceeding "3", the input data is of course set in
the place of the tenth digit and then the blinking position shifts
to the place of the unit digit to have next data from the ten-key
switch set in the place of the unit digit. The embodiment thus
prevents "4" or any value exceeding "4" from being set in the place
of the tenth digit in setting the data of day. This arrangement
simplifies the day setting process.
[0289] While the step #U-3 is arranged to have the place of the
tenth digit alone blinked, that step may be changed to have both
the places of tenth and unit digits blinked. Further, the blinking
arrangement of this embodiment may be replaced with some other
setting position indicating method. For example, it may be replaced
with a method of changing the luminance or color of the setting
place.
[0290] Erase Program:
[0291] An erasing sequence is as follows: In erasing, the erasing
switch 78 and the erasion standby switch 77 are operated. The
apparatus is first set into an erasion standby mode by means of the
switch 77. Then, the other switch 78 is turned on in carrying out
erasion. The erasing process includes a mode in which records in a
plurality of tracks are continuously erased and another mode in
which the record in a single track is alone erased.
[0292] Subroutine (V):
[0293] Referring to FIG. 27 which shows a subroutine (V), the
details of the above stated erasing operation are as follows: When
the switch 77 is turned on in the flow chart of FIG. 6B, the flow
of operation calls the subroutine (V) and comes to a step #V-1. At
the step #V-1, the apparatus is set in a standby state for erasion.
Then, "FF" is set at a buffer memory E which is arranged to store
the number of the track to be erased. At the seven-segment LED 25
which is arranged to display a track number in two places displays
a number assigned to a track to which the head 3-1 has access in a
blinking manner, repeatedly and alternately being lighted up and
extinguished in a cycle of about 2 Hz. This enables the operator to
know that the apparatus is in the standby mode for erasion.
[0294] Unlike the method of using a display element specially for
displaying the erasion standby mode, the method of this embodiment
not only dispenses with the special display element but also more
clearly shows the applicable track number as the track number
display device is arranged to show the track number in a different
manner in this instance. Further, in this specific embodiment, the
erasion standby mode is displayed by blinking the displaying state
of the seven-segment LED 25. However, it goes without saying this
display element may be replaced with some other display element
such as a liquid crystal element. The blinking arrangement also may
be replaced with some different arrangement of, for example,
changing the color or luminance of the display or changing the
shape of the displayed character.
[0295] In cases where some display device for displaying
information about something other than the track number, such as a
number of vacant tracks is provided instead of the track number
display device, the above stated erasion standby mode may be
displayed by changing the display state of that display device.
[0296] After the step #V-1, the flow of operation proceeds to a
step #V-2. Step #V-2: A check is made to see if the PB
(reproduction) mode flag is set. If so, the flow comes to a step
#V-3-1. If not, it proceeds to a step #V-3. Step #V-3: The
subroutine (C) which is provided for setting the reproduction mode
as mentioned in the foregoing is called. The apparatus is shifted
to the reproduction mode. The flow of operation then proceeds to
the step #V-4 via the step #V-3-1. Therefore, with the erasion
standby switch 77 turned on, there always obtains the reproduction
mode and the apparatus is brought into the erasion standby state
through the execution of the steps #V-2 and #V-3. Step #V-3-1:
After confirmation of the switch 77 being turned off, the flow
proceeds to the step #V-4. Step #V-4: A check is made to see if the
erasion performing switch 78 is in its ON state. If so, the flow
proceeds to a step #V-4-1. If not, it comes to a step #V-15. Step
#V-4-1: The branching off destination of the flow is determined at
this step by checking with a claw checking switch the casing of the
magnetic sheet (not shown) for the presence or absence of a claw
initially provided on the casing. This claw is arranged to prevent
erroneous erasion. When the claw is broken off, it is impossible to
make erasion. Therefore, if the the casing (or jacket) is thus
arranged to prevent erroneous erasion, the flow comes to a step
#V-18. If not, it proceeds to a step #V-5. Step #V-5: A check is
made to see whether the value set at the buffer memory E which is
arranged to store an erasing track number is "0" or not. The buffer
memory E has been set at "FF" in the step #V-1. However, the set
value of the buffer memory is changeable at a step #V-15 as will be
described later. At the step #V-5, if the value set at the buffer
memory E is found to be "0", the flow comes to the step #V-18. If
not, the flow proceeds to a step #V-5-1.
[0297] Step #V-5-1: A check is made to see if the value set at the
buffer memory E is "FF". If so, the flow proceeds to a step #V-6.
If not, it comes to a step #V-5-2. Step #V-5-2: The field
reproduction mode is set by setting the field flag. The flow then
comes to the step #V-6. Step #V-6: The blinking state of the seven
segment LED 25 which is arranged to make a track number display is
shifted from the cycle of 2 Hz to a quicker cycle of 5 Hz. In the
event of continuous track erasion, the seven-segment LED 25
displays a set number of tracks in place of the number of a track
being accessed by the head 3-1 at the step #V-17. Even in that
instance, however, the display by the seven-segment LED 25 is
automatically changed to the track number display with the step
#V-6 executed. Therefore, this step enables the operator to confirm
each of the tracks when it is erased during the continuous track
erasing process.
[0298] Step #V-7: The CPU 40 controls the erase signal generator 85
to cause it to generate an erasion signal. An erasing action is
performed in response to this signal. Further, in carrying out the
erasing action, at least one of the heads 3-1 and 3-2 is connected
to the recording amplifier by controlling the switches SW2 and SW3
of FIG. 1. In this instance, if the field flag is set, i.e. in the
case of the field reproduction mode, an erasing current flows only
to the head 3-1 to have one track portion of the record erased
thereby. However, if the field flag has been cleared to select the
frame reproduction mode, erasing currents simultaneously flow to
both the heads 3-1 and 3-2 to have one frame portion of the record,
i.e. the record in two adjacent tracks erased. Further, in the
specific embodiment, the erasing action is performed in the frame
mode only when the flow of operation comes from the step #V-5-1
directly to the step #V-6 without coming via the step #V-5-2. In
other words, it is only in case that the value of the buffer memory
E is found at the step #V-5-1 to be at "FF", that is, in the event
of non-selection of the continuous erasion mode. Step #V-8: The
flow of operation waits until completion of the erasing action.
Upon completion of the erasing action, the flow proceeds to a step
#V8-1. Step #V-8-1: A check is made to see if the value set at the
buffer memory E is equal to "FF". If so, it indicates a single
erasion mode and the flow comes to the step #V-18. If not, it
indicates the continuous erasion mode and the flow proceeds to a
step #V-9. Step #V-9: One is subtracted from the value set at the
buffer memory E. The flow proceed to a step #V-10. Step #V-10: A
check is made to see if the value of the buffer memory E is larger
than "0". In other words, with the continuous track erasion mode
selected, the number of tracks to be erased is detected. If this
number is larger than "0", the flow proceeds to #V-11. If not, the
flow comes to the step #V-18 on the assumption that the continuous
track erasing action has come to an end. Step #V-11: A check is
made to see if the stop switch 61 is in an ON state. If so, the
flow branches off to the step #V-18. If not, it proceeds to a step
#V-12. In other words, in case that the continuous erasion mode is
selected and being carried out, the continuous erasing action can
be suspended by operating the stop switch 61.
[0299] Step #V-12: A check is made to see if the value N stored at
the buffer memory is above 50. In other words, a check is made to
see if the track being accessed by the head 3-1 is the last track.
If so, the flow comes to the step #V-18 to bring the erasing action
to an end. If not, the flow proceeds to a step #V-13.
[0300] Step #V-13: With this step executed, the track accessing
positions of the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted inward to an extent
corresponding to one track respectively. At the same time, the
track number memory is set at a value N+1. The flow then proceeds
to a step #V-5-2. Therefore, in the event of the continuous track
erasion mode, the steps #V-5-2 to #V-13 are repeated until either
the stop switch 61 is turned on or the record of the innermost
track is erased and until the value of the buffer memory E becomes
zero, i.e. until the record in the set number of tracks are
completely erased.
[0301] The step #V-15 and ensuing steps relate to the flow of
operation for setting the continuous erasion mode to be carried out
as described above.
[0302] Step #V-15: A check is made to see if any of the ten-key
switches 63 to 72 shown in FIG. 1 is in its ON state. If so, the
flow proceeds to a step #V-16. If not, it comes to a step #V-15-1.
Step #V-16: The apparatus is brought into the continuous track
erasion mode. More specifically, a number supplied from some of the
ten-key switches 63 to 72 becomes the number of tracks to be
subjected to a continuous erasing action. At the erasing track
number buffer memory E, the value of the switch turned on among the
ten-key switches is set in the place of the unit digit. Following
that, the flow of operation proceeds to a step #V-17. Step #V-17:
The value of the buffer memory E is displayed at the seven-segment
LED 25 in a manner as shown in FIGS. 28(a) to 28(c). At the step
#V-15, the value of one of the ten key switches which is first
turned on is set in the place of the unit digit at the step #V-16.
Then, at the step #V-17, this value is displayed in the place of
the unit digit at the LED 25 as shown in FIG. 28(a). Before the
display of FIG. 22(a) is obtained, the track number is displayed at
the display device in a blinking manner. Further, the value F set
at the buffer memory E is displayed as "0". The blinking display of
the step #V-1 is continuously repeated. Therefore, the display "01"
which is as shown in FIG. 28(a) also blinks. The flow then proceeds
to a step #V-17-1. Step #V-17-1: The flow waits until the ten-key
switches turn off. After that, the flow comes to a step #V-15-1.
Step #V-15-1: A check is made to see if the erasion standby switch
77 is in an ON state. If so, the flow comes to a step #V-18. If
not, if proceeds to a step #V-15-2.
[0303] In other words, the erasion standby mode set by turning on
the erasion standby switch 77 at the step #V-1 is automatically
cancelled by the step #V-18 and ensuing steps after the standby
switch 77 is again turned on. This arrangement obviates the
necessity of an additional switch otherwise required specially for
cancellation of this mode.
[0304] Step #V-15-2: A check is made to see if any switch other
than the switch 78 and the ten-key switches is in an ON state. If
so, the flow branches off to the step #V-18. If not, it branches
off to the step #V-4. In other words, the erasion standby mode can
be automatically cancelled through the step #V-18 and the steps
ensuing it even with a switch other than the ten-key switches
turned on. Therefore, the embodiment requires no special switch for
cancelling the standby mode. The steps preceding the step #V-4 are
repeated when the results of the checks made at the steps #V-15-1
and #V-15-2 are negative. However, if the LED 25 is already
displaying "01" as shown in FIG. 28(a), the steps subsequent to the
step #V-4 is executed as follows:
[0305] When some of the ten-key switches is turned on at the step
#V-15, a value supplied from this switch at the next step #V-16 is
set in the place of the unit digit at the buffer memory E. Then, a
value which is previously set in that place shifts to the place of
the tenth digit at the buffer memory E. A value which has been in
the place of the tenth digit then disappears.
[0306] Assuming that the key switch of "5" is turned on among the
ten-key switches, the steps #V-16 and #V-17 are executed to make a
display at the seven-segment LED 25 in a manner as shown in FIG.
28(b). In this instance, the value set at the buffer memory E is of
course 15. Following this, when "2" is supplied from one of the
ten-key switches, the display is made as shown in FIG. 28(c). In
the above stated example of display, the LED 25 is caused to make a
display with the key switches of "1", "5"and "2" operated one after
another among the ten-key switches under the condition of the
erasion standby mode. The value displayed coincides with a value
set at the buffer memory E. More specifically, when a value of "2"
or greater than "2" is set by one of the ten-key switches, this
setting action is equal to selection of the continuous erasing
mode. The set value represents the number of tracks to be subjected
to a continuous erasing action. As described in the foregoing, when
the value of the buffer memory E is found to be greater than "0" at
the step #V-10, the flow of operation proceeds to the step #V-11.
If not, the flow branches off to the step #V-18. If the track
number N is less than 50, the track number N is increased at the
step #V-13 and the flow of operation branches off from the step
#V-13 to the step #V-5-2. Then, the step #V-6 and ensuing steps are
executed for the continuous erasing action. In other words, if the
stop switch 61 is found to be not in an ON state at the step #V-11,
the erasing action continues either until the value set at the
buffer memory E becomes zero or until it is performed on the 50th
track which is the innermost track. After completion of the above
stated steps, further steps #V-18 to #V-20 are executed in the
following manner:
[0307] Step #V-18: The seven-segment LED 25 is stopped from
blinking. The track number N is displayed on the display device.
The flow then proceeds to a step #V-19. In short, the erasion
standby mode is cancelled at the step #V-18. Step #V-19: If the
switch 77 is in its ON state, the flow waits. If not, it proceeds
to a step #V-20. Step #V-20: The flow comes back to the subroutine
(A) which is as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0308] In carrying out erasion, this embodiment has different modes
as mentioned in the foregoing. In one mode, erasion is performed
only once. In another, erasion is continuously performed. The
latter include a mode in which continuous erasion is performed
after designation of the number of tracks to be subjected to the
continuous erasing action. In cases where the erasing track number
is not set by the ten-key switches, the flow of operation shifts
from the step #V-5-1 directly to the step #V-6 without coming
through the step #V-5-2 as the buffer memory E is in that instance
set at "FF". Therefore, if the field flag is in a cleared state in
the erasion standby mode, a two-track portion of the record is
erased in a frame mode. If the field flag is set, a one-track
portion of the record is erased in the field mode. Thus, in the
case of reproduction in the frame mode, a two-track portion of the
record being reproduced is erased. In the case of reproduction in
the field mode, a one-track portion of the record being reproduced
is erased. However, if an erasing track number is set by the
ten-key switches, the erasing action is performed always in the
field mode, because the flow of operation in that instance proceeds
via the step #V-5-2. In the event that "0" is set by the ten-key
switches, however, the erasing action is not performed as the flow
of operation at the step #V-5 branches off to the step #V-18.
Further, if the value set by the ten-key switches is "1" in the
frame reproduction mode, only the record in a track on the outer
circumferential side of two tracks forming one frame is erased,
because the flow of operation finds the field flag in a set state
at the step #V-5-2 in this instance.
[0309] Generally, an additional video signal or the like is newly
recorded often in erased tracks in the case of continuous track
erasion. In the case of the embodiment described, the head 3-1 is
located on a last erased track when the continuous track erasion
comes to an end. Therefore, in the event of recording new
information in the erased tracks, the operator is required to
operate the track UP and track DOWN switches 54 and 55 to bring the
head 3-1 to a track with which the erasing action began. To solve
this problem, another flow of operation is arranged as shown in
FIG. 29 to automatically cause the head 3-1 to have access to a
track from which a continuous track erasing action has begun after
completion of the continuous track erasing action. This arrangement
greatly enhances the operability of the apparatus. The flow shown
in FIG. 29 is arranged to be inserted between the steps #V-18 and
#V-19 of FIG. 27.
[0310] In executing the subroutine (V), the track number N of a
track then accessed is stored at a memory N' at the step #V-1.
After that, when the flow of operation comes to the step #V-18 with
erasion accomplished through the steps described, the flow of
operation shown in FIG. 29 is executed. More specifically, at the
step #V-18-1, the number assigned to a track accessed by the head
3-1 is checked for its coincidence with the track number stored in
the memory N at the step #V-1. If not, steps #V-18-2 and #V-18-3
are executed to cause the head 3-1 to have access to a next track
on the outer circumferential side of the accessed track. At the
same time, the memory N' is set at N-1 and the seven-segment LED 25
is caused to display the track number N. The flow then comes back
to the step #V-18-1. The steps #V-18-2 and #V-18-3 are thus
repeated until the number assigned to the accessed track comes to
coincide with the track number stored at the memory N'. When the
head 3-1 has access to the erasion starting track, the flow of
operation comes from the #V-18-1 to a step #V-19. Then, the step
#V-19 and steps following it are executed. Therefore, the flow of
operation as shown in FIG. 29 causes the head 3-1 to be
automatically brought to the erasion start track upon completion of
the erasing action. This obviates the necessity of a manual search
for a track at which an erasing action has started before
commencement of a next recording action.
[0311] Further, it is highly advantageous and effective in
preventing any erroneous erasing action to enable the operator to
confirm erasing images by reproducing their records for a given
period of time and to confirm the operability of the stop switch 61
prior to a continuous erasing action. To realize this function, a
step of having a delay time of one sec or thereabout inserted in
the subroutine (V) of FIG. 27 after execution of the process of "1
track UP, N=N+1" at the step #V-13 and before execution of the step
#V-7 or preferably immediately after the step #V-6. Further, for
this purpose, another step may be arranged to be executed during
that delay time to make a check to see if the stop switch 61 is in
an ON state and, if not, to have the flow proceeds to the step #V-7
or, if so, to have the flow branch off to the step #V-18. The
provision of such additional steps enables the operator to confirm
the video signal to be erased. Therefore, when any image that is
not desired to be erased is reproduced, the continuous reproduction
can be suspended by turning the stop switch 61 on. The probability
of erroneous erasion thus can be reduced to a minimal rate.
[0312] Further, in the case of continuous erasion, the embodiment
is arranged to have track portions of the record erased one by one
all in the field mode by executing the step #V-5-2 with the flow
shifting from the step #V-5-1 to the step #V-5-2 in the subroutine
(V). However, for shortening the length of time required for
continuous erasion, erasing currents may be allowed to flow
simultaneously to the two heads in the frame mode in such a way as
to have the erasing action simultaneously performed on two tracks
at least once. An example of this arrangement is as described
below:
[0313] A flow of operation shown in FIG. 30(a) includes the steps
to be inserted in between the steps #V-6 and #V-7 of FIG. 27.
Another flow shown in FIG. 30(b) includes the steps to be inserted
in between the steps #V-11 and #V-12 of FIG. 27. The details of
these flows of operation:
[0314] After the subroutine (V) of FIG. 27 is executed up to the
step #V-6, a step #V-6-1 is executed. At this step, a check is made
to see if the erasing track buffer memory E is at a value "2" or
greater than that thus indicating the continuous track erasion
mode. If so, the flow proceeds to a step #V-6-2. If not, the flow
comes to the step #V-7. At the step #V-6-2: The buffer memory E is
set at E-1 and the field flag is cleared. The flow comes to the
step #V-7. At the step #V-7 (shown in FIG. 27), an erasion signal
is generated. In this instance, if the field flag is set, the
erasion signal is supplied to one of the heads 3-1 and 3-2 which is
used for field reproduction. If the field flag is cleared, the
erasion signal is simultaneously supplied to both the heads 3-1 and
3-2. Upon completion of erasion, the steps #V-8 to #V-11 are
executed as mentioned in the foregoing. If the continuous erasing
action has not been completed, the flow comes from the step #V-11
to a step #V-11-1. At the step #V-11-1, a check is made to see if
the field flag is set. If the field flag is set while the
continuous track erasion mode is not set, the flow proceeds to the
step #V-12 and the flow proceeds in the same manner as stated in
the foregoing. Further, in case that the continuous track erasing
mode has been set while the field flag is not set at the step
#V-11-1, the flow comes to a set #V-11-2 and the memory N is set at
N+1 as the erasing action has been performed on a two-track portion
of the record at the step #V-7 as mentioned in the foregoing. Then,
the heads 3-1 and 3-2 are shifted inward to an extent corresponding
to one track width. Following this, the flow comes to the step
#V-13. The heads are shifted further inward to the extent of one
track width through the steps up to the step #V-13.
[0315] With the embodiment arranged as described above, in the case
of continuous erasion, the erasing action is performed in the frame
mode until the remaining number of continuously erasing tracks
becomes one. This arrangement increases the continuous erasing
speed. In confirming the erasing record of images prior to erasion
in this instance, if the field flag is set after the step #V-6, it
is necessary to do field reproduction for a given period of time
with each of the heads 3-1 and 3-2 of FIG. 1. Further, in carrying
out continuous erasion, selection between a mode in which the
erasing images can be confirmed in a reproduced state and another
mode in which such confirmation is not allowed may be made possible
by omitting the steps #V-2 and #V-3 and by effecting switch-over
between the PB mode and the recording mode, because: In case that
the non-confirming mode is selected in performing a continuous
erasing action with the steps shown in FIGS. 30(a) and 30(b) added
to the flow of operation shown in FIG. 27, the continuous erasing
action can be accomplished within a minimum length of time. This
method is highly advantageous particularly in erasing records from
all the tracks.
[0316] Subroutine (W):
[0317] FIG. 31 shows a subroutine (W) which is to be executed when
the all track erasion standby switch 79 is operated. The subroutine
(W) is as follows:
[0318] Step #W-1: The seven-segment LED 25 is caused to blink at 2
Hz a display "AE" (All-Erase) indicating an all track erasion
standby mode. Step #W-2: A check is made to see if the PB mode flag
is set. If not, the flow comes to a step #W-3-2. If so, if comes to
a step #W-3-1. Step #W-3-1: The PB mode flag is cleared to inhibit
a reproducing operation on the magnetic sheet 1. Step #W-3-2: The
switch 79 is checked for its OFF state. Upon detection of it, the
flow proceeds to a step #W-4. Step #W-4: A check is made to see if
the erasing switch 78 is in its ON state. If so, the flow comes to
a step #W-9. If not, the flow proceeds to a step #W-5. Step #W-5: A
check is made to see if the all track erasion standby switch 79 is
in its ON state. If so, the flow comes to a step #W-7. If not, the
flow comes to a step #W-6. Step #W-6: A check is made to see if any
switch other than the switch 79 is turned on. If so, the flow comes
to a step #W-7. If not, the flow comes to the step #W-4. Step #W-7:
The LED 25 is stopped from blinking and is caused to display the
track number N assigned to a track to which the head 3-1 has
access. Step #W-8: The flow waits until the switch 79 turns off.
After that, the flow comes back to the subroutine (A). Step #W-9:
In case that the erasing switch 78 is found in its ON state at the
step #W-4, the flow comes to this step. At this step, a
discrimination is made between the presence and absence of an
erroneous erasion preventing claw which is not shown. If the claw
is found to be present, the flow comes to a step #W-10. If not, it
comes to the step #W-7. Step #W-10: A check is made to see if the
track number N which is a track number assigned to a track accessed
by the head 3-1 is "1". If so, the flow comes to a step #W-12. If
not, it comes to a step #W-11. Step #W-11: The heads 3-1 and 3-2
are shifted toward the outer circumference of the magnetic sheet to
an extent corresponding to one track width respectively. One is
subtracted from the track number N. The flow then comes back to the
step #W-10. With the steps #W-10 and #W-11 thus repeatedly
executed, when the track number becomes "1", the flow comes to the
step #W-12. Step #W-12: The LED 25 is caused to blink the display
of the track number N at 5 Hz. This informs the operator of an
extent to which the tracks have been erased during the process of
the all track erasing action. Step #W-13: The field flag is cleared
to obtain the frame mode. Accordingly, both the heads 3-1 and 3-2
are used for erasion.
[0319] Steps #W-14 and #W-15: These steps are the same as the steps
#V-7 and #V-8. Step #W-16: Since two tracks are being erased
without shifting the heads 3-1 and 3-2, these heads are shifted
toward the outer circumference of the magnetic sheet to an extent
corresponding to two track widths at this step. Further, "2" is
added to the track number N. Step #W-17: A check is made to see if
the track number N is 50 or greater than 50. If so, the flow comes
to the step #W-7. If not, it branches off to the step #W-12. In the
latter case, the steps #W-12 to #W-17 are repeated until completion
of the all track erasing process.
[0320] As described above, in the all track erasing mode which is
obtained by turning on the erasing switch 78 after turning on the
all track erasion standby switch 79, the PB mode flag is cleared
prior to commencement of the erasing action in such a way as to
omit the process of confirming the images to be erased. In addition
to that, erasion is arranged to be performed on two tracks at a
time by using both the heads 3-1 and 3-2. This method enables the
all track erasing action to be accomplished in a much shorter
period of time than a method of erasing tracks one by one. Further,
in erasing all the tracks, the heads are shifted beforehand to one
end part (to the outermost peripheral part in the case of this
embodiment) and then shifted toward the opposite end gradually
erasing all the tracks. This arrangement ensures that all the
tracks can be erased without fail no matter where the head 3-1 may
be located in erasing all the tracks.
[0321] Further, the LED 25 is arranged to display the number
assigned to each track to which the head 3-1 is having access
during the process of erasion. This enables the operator to know
the degree of progress of the erasing action.
[0322] While the magnetic sheet 1 is employed as the recording
medium in the case of embodiments described, this invention is
applicable also to an optical recording medium, a
photo-electro-magnetic recording medium and other recording medium.
For such different recording media, the recording means may be
replaced with suitable means. For example, an optical head may be
used in the event of an optical disc. Further, a solid-state memory
such as a semiconductor memory, Bloch line memory or the like may
be employed.
[0323] As described in the foregoing, this embodiment has different
modes of recording the set ID data along with the video signal
including: A mode of recording the set ID data while displaying on
the monitor the contents thereof as shown in FIG. 21(a) and another
mode of making a display as shown in FIG. 21(b) indicating that the
set ID data is recordable along with the video signal without
displaying on the monitor the contents of the ID data. When the
mode shown in FIG. 21(a) is selected, the display range on the
monitor of the contents of the ID data becomes broader. In the
event that a display of the ID data would come to hinder a
monitoring review of the video signal to be recorded, the mode of
FIG. 21(b) is selected in recording the video signal while
permitting the ID data to be recorded along with the video signal.
This arrangement permits the review on the monitor of the recording
video signal without hindrance on and thus enhances the operability
of the apparatus.
[0324] Further, in this embodiment, when the video signal is
recorded while the character signal is being monitored in a state
of being superimposed on the video signal to be recorded, the
supply of the character signal is arranged to be temporarily cut
off in synchronism with recording of the video signal (the steps
#N-5 and #N-7 of the subroutine (N) of FIG. 12). This arrangement
makes the recording action confirmable by a very simple control
process. Therefore, the arrangement not only dispenses with any
additional display means arranged specially for indicating the
execution of the recording action but also enables the operator to
confirm the recording action simply by observing the monitor.
[0325] This embodiment is arranged to permit confirmation of
recording through observation of the monitor by temporarily cutting
off the supply of the data signal (or the ID data) superimposed on
the video signal as mentioned in the foregoing. This arrangement
may be changed to temporarily cut off the video signal instead of
the DATA signal. In another conceivable modification, some other
signal may be temporarily superimposed on the video signal instead
of temporarily cutting off the data signal in attaining the same
advantageous effect.
[0326] In the case of this embodiment, the data signal is arranged
to be displayed in a superimposed state in the lower right corner
of the picture plane in either the mode of setting only the data of
date or the mode of setting the date data together with other data
as shown in FIG. 22(a) or 22(b). That arrangement effectively
prevents the superimposed display of data from hindering the review
of the recording video signal by the operator.
[0327] While the data signal or signals relative to the video
signal are arranged in this embodiment to be displayed in the lower
right corner of the picture plane, the display position is of
course not limited to that particular part.
[0328] Further, in this embodiment, the data signals are arranged
to include the date data such as year, month and day data and the
digits of 11 places for the data relative to the video signal.
However, the data relative to the video signal may be replaced by
alphabetical letters relative to the video signal. These data may
be any other data or characters that can be set by the operator and
can be displayed in a superimposed state.
[0329] The embodiment, as described in the foregoing, is a
recording and/or reproducing apparatus arranged to record or
reproduce the data signal along with the video signal. The
embodiment is provided with control means which is arranged such
that, in recording, the position in which the data signal is
displayed in the state of superimposed on the video signal is
changed according to the result of determination as to whether or
not at least a part of the data signal is to be set and to be
included in the display.
[0330] In accordance with the arrangement of this embodiment, the
data signal which is to be recorded along with the video signal is
arranged to be omissible from the display of the video signal on
the monitor, so that the video signal to be recorded can be
protected from being hidden by a display of the data signal
superimposed on the video signal display.
* * * * *